Copa America in Foxborough: Argentina Cruise Pass Venezuela

Foxborough, MA — In short, Argentina won because they were the superior team.

That may seem a bit obvious given their 4-1 win over Venezuela in the quarterfinals of the Copa America, but the top-ranked team in the world outplayed their opponents wire to wire.

The win sends Argentina to the semi-final round where they’ll play the United States on Tuesday.

Striker Gonzalo Higuain led the Argentinian side with a two-goal performance. The Napoli star scored the first two goals of the game, setting the pace for the world’s best team.

Gonzalo Higuain opened the scoring early after a peach of a ball from Leo Messi . #ARGvVEN #MyCopaColors https://t.co/bmtWfkSZ6M
— FOX Soccer (@FOXSoccer) June 18, 2016

Gonzalo Higuain's second of the night inside 30 minutes gives Argentina a 2-goal cushion. #ARGvVEN #MyCopaColors https://t.co/C1Vy4EZm2W
— FOX Soccer (@FOXSoccer) June 18, 2016

Venezuela had their chances to cut the lead in half, challenging Argentina for the last 15 minutes of the first half. A Rondon header in the 39th minute went off the left post and a late first-half penalty kick by Luis Seijas went as bad as imaginable.

Is this the worst Panenka penalty attempt ever? #ARGvVEN #MyCopaColors https://t.co/YGzpgwJ31u
— FOX Soccer (@FOXSoccer) June 19, 2016

Lionel Messi added to Argentina's total with a goal off a give and go with Nicolas Gaitan.

Leo Messi moves level with Gabriel Batistuta as Argentina's all-time leading goalscorer. #ARGvVEN #MyCopaColors https://t.co/gKnUDYVtDG
— FOX Soccer (@FOXSoccer) June 19, 2016

Salomon Rondon's 70th minute goal put Venezuela on the board, but the lead was back to three less than a minute later thanks to a Messi feed to Erik Lamela.

Argentina and the United States will play Tuesday at 9 p.m. at NRG Stadium in Houston.