Copa: Argentina advances with win over Costa Rica

Argentina shook off its previous lackluster form and beat Costa Rica 3-0 on Monday, booking a place in the Copa America quarterfinals.Sergio Aguero scored in first-half stoppage time, and again in the 52nd minute following a pass from Barcelona star Lionel Messi.Messi showed his best form for the first time in the tournament. Angel Di Maria scored Argentina's third goal in the 64th in a performance that will revive the host nation's pre-tournament expectations of challenging for the title.Argentina improved to 5 points in three matches and finished second in Group A. Colombia was first with 7 points. Colombia will play the best third-place team and Argentina will face the second-place team in Group C: either Chile, Peru or Uruguay.

Brazil draws with Venezuela in Copa America

Brazil was held to a 0-0 draw by Venezuela in the Copa America on Sunday, making a similar lackluster start as host nation and fellow co-favorite Argentina two days earlier.Venezuela, usually regarded as the weakest team in the South American confederation, packed the midfield in the Group B match to snuff out Brazil's attack. The five-time World Cup winners seldom played like an organized team, relying on the individual talents of stars Neymar, Robinho and Alexandre Pato.Players on both teams wore gloves, trying to fight off the near-freezing temperatures of the Argentine winter.

Argentina drew 1-1 with Bolivia on Friday in the tournament opener. Brazil has defeated Argentina in the last two finals and the two teams are widely expected to meet again in the July 24 final.Just like Argentina, Brazil seldom looked like a real team. Venezuela worked harder than its opponent, keeping Brazil's chances to a minimum and relying on an impressive goalkeeping performance from Renny Vega.