Argentina World Cup hopes in balance after 1-1 draw with Venezuela

Buenos Aires Sep 6 (IANS) Argentina s hopes of qualifying for next year s football World Cup were left hanging in the balance after a listless 1-1 home draw with Venezuela.

Needing a victory to move into the CONMEBOL group s direct qualification places the Albiceleste went behind when John Murillo coolly lifted a 50th minute shot over goalkeeper Sergio Romero after a counterattack on Tuesday reports Xinhua news agency.

The goal sparked the hosts into action and four minutes later they equalized when Venezuela s Rolf Feltscher turned Marcos Acuna s cross into his own net.

Five-time Ballon d Or winner Lionel Messi was unable to assert his usual influence and often drifted deep to help his team s faltering midfield.

The result left Argentina fifth in the 10-team South American zone standings with 24 points from 16 matches.

The two-time World Cup winners must win their last two qualifiers against Peru and Ecuador to at least secure a playoff berth.

--IANS
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