Argentina thrash US

Striker Hernan Crespo equalled Diego Maradona8217;s Argentine goal count as the Copa America favourites beat the US 4-1 yesterday in Group C.

Striker Hernan Crespo equalled Diego Maradona8217;s Argentine goal count as the Copa America favourites beat the US 4-1 yesterday in Group C.

Roque Santa Cruz scored a hat trick to lead Paraguay to a 5-0 victory over Colombia, exposing a team which had come to this South American championship with their eyes on the title.

The US successfully defended the CONCACAF Gold Cup on Sunday, but only four members of that winning side played against Argentina 8212; two as second-half substitutes 8212; and they were outgunned by an Argentina side who were close to full strength.

After the US went ahead in the ninth minute via a penalty by Eddie Johnson, the Argentines quickly equalised as Crespo knocked home a loose ball after a free kick by Juan Roman Riquelme.

Argentina renewed offense in the second half, with Crespo scoring his record-equalling goal, followed by a charging header by substitute Pablo Aimr. Carlos Tevez, who started on the bench, added the fourth in the final minutes.

Crespo equalled Mara-dona8217;s 34 goals. The achievement was made special by the presence of Maradona at the game. Retired striker Gabriel Batistuta is Argentina8217;s all-time top scorer, with 56 goals.

8220;It8217;s an immense honour for me to equal the achievement of Diego,8221;8217; Crespo said. The win was an ideal start for Alfio Basile8217;s experienced squad, who are seeking their 15th Copa America title, breaking the tie on 14 titles they share with Uruguay.

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In the earlier match, Santa Cruz8217; hattrick saw Paraguay record their biggest ever win over Colombia, surpassing 3-0 victories in 1949, 1957 and 1985.

Second-half substitute Salvador Cabanas scored Paraguay8217;s last two goals in the final 10 minutes, when a tired Colombia defence had already collapsed.

Paraguay face the US in their next match on Monday, in Barinas, and Argentina stay in Maracaibo to take on Colombia the same day.

Off the field, Brazilian striker Fred was yesterday ruled out for the rest of the tournament after breaking his right foot during a practice match.

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The Olympique Lyon forward didn8217;t take part in the upset opening loss to Mexico, but coach Dunga had been counting on the player being available for the match on Sunday against Chile in Maturin, which the five-time World Cup-winners must win to reinvigorate their championship hopes.

Ten minutes into the second half of the US-Argentina match, the mostly Venezuelan crowd of 40,000 came to its feet and shouted 8220;libertad, libertad, libertad8221; 8211; Spanish for freedom 8211; in defiance of President Hugo Chavez, who is a critic of the US.

The Copa America is being hosted by Venezuela for the first time in its 91-year history and Chavez8217; government has spent lavishly 8211; more than 1 billion 8211; building or renovating nine stadiums and related infrastructure.