WC 2014 Qualifier: Higuain Brace in Argentina 3-0 Win Over Venezuela; England Thrashed San Marino 8-0

EFT Report, Buenos Aires: Messi’s Albiceleste maintained their top spot in CONMEBOL standings as they beat Venezuela 3-0 at El Monumental, Buenos Aires on March 22 with a brace from Madrid striker Gonzalo Higuain and a goal from who els….Lionel Messi.

Argentina Beat Venezuela 3-0

Playing in front of their own fans for the first time this year, Sabella's men did not disappoint the home crowd. Higuain gave the Argentines a 1-0 lead in the 29th minute from a pass from Messi, who then made it 2-0 with a penalty in the 45th minute. Higuain scored his brace in the 59th minute, putting the game beyond Venezuela reach, again off a Messi pass. Messi has now scored 32 goals in Albiceleste color just two behind Diego Maradona for third place. Gabriel Batistuta with 56 goals is the top goal scorer for Argentina followed by Hernan Crespo with 35 goals. This win puts Argentina (unbeaten in 12 months,) four points clear of Colombia at the top of CONMEBOL'S standings.

In other World Cup Qualifying matches played, England demolished San Marino 8-0 at Stadio Olimpico di Serravalle while World Champions Spain were held 1-1 by Finland at Estadio Municipal El Molinon. In Zagreb, Croatia beat bitter Balkans rivals Serbia 2-0 thanks to goals from Bayern Munich striker Mario Mandzukic and former Bayern forward Ivica Olic. This was the first soccer meeting between the Balkan rivals since their war in the 1990s.