Sergio Aguero on target as Argentina reach Copa America quarter-finals

Posted Monday, June 24, 2019 by PA

Argentina are through to the Copa America quarter-finals after a 2-0 victory against Qatar saw them secure second place in Group B.

After picking up just one point from their opening two games, Argentina needed to win to progress and they managed to do so courtesy of goals from Lautaro Martinez and Sergio Aguero.

Martinez opened the scoring after four minutes. The Inter Milan striker capitalised on sloppy Qatar defending before poking the ball into the bottom corner of the net.

Aguero had a golden chance to double the lead but he flashed his shot wide of the target from 12 yards when he should have done better.

The Manchester City striker made amends when he made sure of the three points in the 82nd minute. He collected the ball up in midfield and beat two defenders before driving a low shot beyond the goalkeeper.

Lionel Messi could have got his name on the scoresheet but he uncharacteristically skied the ball over the crossbar from close range.

The win means Argentina will now face Venezuela in the quarter-finals on Friday in Rio de Janeiro.

Group B winners Colombia made it three wins from three matches after beating Paraguay 1-0 at the Arena Fonte Nova. Gustavo Cuellar scored the only goal of the game after 31 minutes.