Messi magic leaves Argentina in charge

Hodgson cautious despite San Marino demolition at World Cup qualifiers.

BUENOS AIRES:

Lionel Messi scored once and set up two goals as Argentina beat Venezuela 3-0 to remain in control of the South American qualifying race for the 2014 World Cup.

The Argentine skipper was the architect of two Gonzalo Higuain strikes which came either side of an emphatic Messi penalty on the stroke of half-time at the Monumental Stadium.

The victory leaves Alejandro Sabella's side four points clear of second-placed Colombia at the top of the standings with 23 points after 10 matches.

"Argentina beat Venezuela handsomely," said Sabella. “The defence was solid, Higuain is a great goal-scorer and Messi, well there are no words to describe him.”

Meanwhile, England manager Roy Hodgson warned his players not to get carried away after they outclassed hapless minnows San Marino 8-0 in World Cup qualifying.

Hodgson's side showed no mercy on a brisk night at Serravalle's 7,000-capacity Stadio Olimpico, with Alessandro Della Valle's 12th-minute own goal unleashing an avalanche of goals for the visiting side.

“You've got to be careful trying to predict the future on the back of a game like this,” said Hodgson. “That's [why] none of us are jumping around high-fiving in the dressing room.”

In other matches, Sergio Ramos admitted winning his 100th cap for Spain was a bittersweet experience after the world champions could only manage a 1-1 draw in their World Cup Group I qualifier to Finland.

On the other hand, Wales moved up to third in Group A as they scored twice in two minutes to beat Scotland 2-1 at Hampden.

Published in The Express Tribune, March 24^th, 2013.