Argentina have thrashed Peru 4-0 in the Copa América 2007 quarter final at the Stadio Metropolitano in Barquisimeto on Sunday, with two goals from Juan Roman Riquelme and Barcelona's Lionel Messi and Liverpool's Javier Mascherano also scoring for the Albiceleste to take them through to a Copa América Semi-Final encounter against Mexico.

Argentina, the favourites to lift the Copa América 2007 trophy, started the match with more possession, but couldn’t find a way through Peru’s defence, with half-chances for both teams in the first period.

The first-half ended 0-0, with Argentina becoming frustrated with the rugged defending from Peru.

Argentina head coach Alfio Basile made one significant change at half-time, bringing Carlos Tevez on for Diego Milito, and the change immediately paid dividends.

Riquelme scored within 90 seconds of the restart, having been set-up by Carlos Tevez in a wonderful flowing move that ripped the Peruvian defence apart, much to the delight of the Argentina fans.

Substitute Carlos Tevez then hit the crossbar minutes later as Argentina began to show their class.

Argentina’s second goal came in the 61st minute from an equally impressive move, with Barcelona winger Lionel Messi finishing with a left-footed strike.

It was in the 75th minute that Argentina all but sealed the win. Tevez played the ball into Messi, who’s shot was parried away by Peru keeper Leao Butrón, but straight into the path of Liverpool midfielder Javier Mascherano, who slid the ball past Butron to make it 3-0.

Juan Roman Riquelme scored his second goal of the match in the 86th minute after a superb break from Argentina from one of Peru's few attempts at goal to seal a superb win for Basile’s team.

Argentina are now due to meet Mexico in the Semi-Finals of the tournament.

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