Argentina

3.50

• 
  84

  13

  3.00

  Sergio Romero

  An all-too straightforward game for the keeper. Until the final minutes, hard to remember him being called into action for a single save as his side dominated.

• 
  103

  9

  3.00

  Ezequiel Garay

  Stayed strong against the pace of Rondon, covering efficiently on the few occasions Venezuela threatened to break through.

• 
  81

  8

  3.00

  Federico Fernández

  Occasionally looked fragile with the ball on the floor, but played a conservative defensive game that paid off with few scares.

• 
  103

  13

  3.50

  Pablo Zabaleta

  Given little to do at the back, and was happy to advance and join the attack. At times though, the final product was lacking.

• 
  71

  18

  3.00

  M. Rojo

  Enjoyed himself on the left against the inexperienced Gonzalez, breaking forward well and going close to scoring with a wicked effort.

• 
  156

  10

  4.50

  Fernando Gago

  Showed his worth as part of a dynamic midfield three, covering the defence well and shining with two fantastic passes that split Venezuela open.

• 
  155

  29

  4.00

  Javier Mascherano

  Content to anchor the midfield and let the more creative players ahead of him steal the show, the ex-captain was nevertheless a model of security in the middle.

• 
  92

  13

  3.50

  Walter Montillo

  A surprise inclusion for those unfamiliar with South American football, but played his role to perfection. Formed a fluid partnership with Messi and kicked off the move for the opener.

• 
  94

  35

  2.50

  Ezequiel Lavezzi

  A frustrating show from the Paris Saint-Germain forward, never stopped trying but his running was often on a different wavelength to his more cerebral team-mates.

• 
  584

  102

  4.50

  Lionel Messi

  Always wanted the ball, and rarely disappointed when he had it at his feet. A pinpoint pass played in Higuain before he added his own goal with a storming penalty.

• 
  344

  33

  4.00

  Gonzalo Higuaín

  Kept up his incredible scoring form for Argentina, timing the run perfectly and finishing with class in the first half to hand his side the lead. Another brilliant definition supplied his second.

Substitutions

• 
  84

  8

  Ever Banega

  Fitted in seamlessly to the side after entering for Gago, albeit without the same attacking presence shown by the Velez man.

• 
  58

  23

  Maxi Rodríguez

  The Newell's man saw the last few minutes in a late substitution.

• 
  83

  18

  Rodrigo Palacio

  A brief cameo at the end as he replaced the excellent Higuain.

Venezuela

2.23

• 
  9

  12

  2.50

  D. Hernández

  Little he could do for any of Argentina's goals, and indeed made sure the score was not too inflated with several decent saves.

• 
  5

  12

  2.00

  A. González

  A big stage for the youngster as he was thrown into the team due to injury, and it was tough going against the explosive Rojo and Montillo.

• 
  8

  13

  2.00

  Andres Tuñez Arceo

  Could not live with Argentina's two rampant goalscorers, losing track of Higuain on both goals that proved to be so costly.

• 
  8

  10

  1.50

  Gabriel Cichero

  The villain of the piece still in the first half, an unnecessary handball giving Messi the chance to add a second from the spot.

• 
  6

  10

  2.50

  O. Vizcarrondo

  The Lanus defender did not enjoy himself in the Monumental, stretched to breaking point by the dynamism of Argentina's stars.

• 
  5

  12

  2.50

  F. Lucena

  Along with Rincon, tried to impose himself physically but the plan backfired as the pair were passed off the pitch.

• 
  11

  10

  1.50

  Juan Fernando Arango

  A lot of responsibility lay on the veteran's shoulders to get his side going, but he failed to find the spark. Precious few set-piece chances.

• 
  7

  12

  2.50

  L. Seijas

  Looked bright in the opening minutes, dropping between midfield and defence to cause Argentina grief, but dropped off as the Albiceleste took control.

• 
  14

  13

  3.00

  T. Rincón

  Came out a man on a mission, that mission mainly to kick anything that moved. Calmed down after a deserved yellow card.

• 
  6

  14

  1.00

  Frank Feltscher

  An ineffective presence on the pitch, crowded out by Gago and Mascherano and unable to move the ball forward to Rondon.

• 
  28

  9

  3.50

  Rondón

  A game to forget for the physical striker, who cut a forlorn figure for much of the game playing on his own seemingly abandoned by his team-mates.

Substitutions

• 
  7

  11

  C. González

  Thrown into the action during the second half, but powerless to turn the tide.

• 
  11

  11

  Miku

  Precious few minutes at the end for the striker as Venezuela fought against the inevitable.