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Copa America: Argentina advance to quarterfinals

Wednesday, 15 June 2016 3:45 PM [ Last Update: Wednesday, 15 June 2016 3:45 PM ]

Erik Lamela #18 (center facing camera) of Argentina celebrates with teammates after scoring a goal against Bolivia during the 2016 Copa America Centenario Group D match at CenturyLink Field on June 14, 2016 in Seattle, Washington. (AFP)

Argentina has become the only team in the Copa America tournament to win all three of its group stage matches, after brushing aside Bolivia 3-0.

Star striker Lionel Messi was again on the bench from the start on Wednesday. However, his absence wasn’t a worry for the Albiceleste, as Erik Lamela opened the scoring for Argentina in the 13th minute, with a free kick which deflected off the back of Bolivia's Yasmani Duk and went into the net.

The second goal came two minutes later when Bolivia’s keeper couldn’t control a Gonzalo Higuain header, as Ezequiel Lavezzi made it 2-nil for Argentina.

Levazzi had some role to play in the 3rd as well, when his 32nd minute shot was re-directed into the net by Victor Cuesta, who celebrated his first international goal, and Argentina went to locker rooms with a 3-nil lead.

Messi then came on as a substitute at the beginning of the second half, and showed some of his unmatched quality with a free-kick which missed the goal by inches. The result remained intact for the entire second half and Argentina grabbed the three goal win, and are now focusing on their next match against Venezuela in the quarterfinals of the tournament.

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