Copa favourites Argentina outclass Bolivia, Chile join last eight
The tournament favorites, already assured of a quarter-final berth after wins over Chile and Panama, wrapped up their Group D campaign with an easy win at Seattle's CenturyLink Field.
The victory sees Argentina reach the last eight as group winners, handing them what in theory should be a straightforward assignment against Venezuela in Foxborough on Saturday.
The two-time world champions are determined to end a 23-year wait for a major title after suffering agonising defeats in the finals of the 2014 World Cup and last year's Copa America.
On current form few would bet against the South American giants, who could afford to omit Lionel Messi from their starting line-up following his hattrick display against Panama.
The match was effectively settled within the first quarter of an hour, with Tottenham Hotspur winger Erik Lamela opening the scoring with a deflected free-kick in the 13th minute.
Two minutes later China-based forward Ezequiel Lavezzi marked his comeback from injury with a goal, volleying home from close range after Gonzalo Higuain's downward header.
Central defender Victor Cuesta made it 3-0 just after the half-hour, diverting home Lavezzi's low cross in the 32nd minute.
Argentina manager Gerardo Martino brought on Messi at half-time, and a one-sided second half soon became a question of when or if the Barcelona superstar could grab a 54th international goal to equal Gabriel Batistuta's longstanding scoring record.
However despite Argentina's dominance, Messi was unable to add to his team's tally, his best chance coming with a 25-yard curling freekick which flew just wide of the goal.
Chile confidence booster
In Philadelphia, Chile advanced to the quarterfinals yesterday after two goals in the first half from Eduardo Vargas and two in the second from Alexis Sanchez gave them a 4-2 win over Panama.
The defending champions will play Mexico in the next round on Saturday.
“This was important for me and for the team,” said Vargas. “It has boosted our confidence for the games to come.
“We are Copa America champions but we haven't played as well as we did in the last Copa America and this will give us confidence.”
Chile went behind to an early goal but roared back thanks to outstanding performances from their front pair, who ran the Panamanian defence ragged.
Panama took the lead in the fourth minute thanks to a mistake by Chilean goalkeeper Claudio Bravo, who let Miguel Camargo's shot from almost 30 yards out squirm through his hands and into the net.
Chile fought back and were soon 2-1 up.
Artur Vidal and Sanchez worked a one-two in the box after 14 minutes and Sanchez's shot was only parried by Jaime Penedo and Vargas followed up to smash it home.
Three minutes before half time striker Vargas rose to glance home a header to put Chile ahead.
Sanchez was in captivating form and scored one of the goals of the tournament after 49 minutes.
Vargas was the provider this time, creating space for himself in the box before chipping to Sanchez, who volleyed home in spectacular fashion.
Panama kept fighting and pulled one back after 74 minutes and again Bravo was at fault, failing to stop Abdiel Arroyo's header from going in at his near post.
Sanchez had the last word, however, when he rose unmarked to head home a cross with two minutes left to make it 4-2.
Quarterfinal draw — tomorrow
At Seattle
United States v Ecuador (0130 GMT Friday)
Friday
East Rutherford
Colombia v Peru (0000 GMT)
Saturday
At Foxborough
Venezuela v Argentina (2300 GMT)
At Santa Clara
Mexico v Chile (0200 GMT Friday) — Agencies
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