2002 World Cup - Argentina 5 Venezuela 0

Argentina had triple celebrations in Buenos Aires as they reached 28 points from 11 matches in the CONMEBOL qualifying section.

Firstly this 5-0 win hands the Argentines complete control of the group and they will secure a place at the 2002 World Cup finals with three more wins but Internazionale midfielder Diego Simeone also made his 100th appearance for Argentina which is a record-breaking mark. The combative Simeone is the first Argentine player in their long football history to reach 100 appearances.

Then there was the news earlier in the day that rivals Brazil had been beaten 1-0 in Ecuador and the Argentine fans could enjoy this 5-0 romp for their team.

Argentina were content at times to let Venezuela play in front of them but they did not threaten much apart from a 6th minute chance for Fernando de Ornelas when he pulled his shot off target from in front of goal.

Then Argentina crushed the visitors.

Hernan Crespo scored in the 12th minute when he reached a Nelson Vivas cross to steer the ball in. Juan Pablo Sorin added a second in the 31st minute when the midfield combined to send him through on goal for a low finish.

Juan Veron hit a 51st minute free kick from distance for the third with Marcelo Gallardo headed in a driven cross for the fourth goal.

AS Roma's Walter Samuel ended the scoring by sticking in a cross from a free kick at close range.