Argentina seek pts

Paraguay striker Nelson Valdez controls the ball during a training session in Asuncion on Sunday. Paraguay take on Uruguay in a 2014 World Cup qualifier tonight.Photo: AFP

Argentina are gradually emerging from their Copa America nightmare and are gunning for Venezuela on Tuesday as they seek three World Cup qualifying points to add to Friday's impressive start against Chile.
After the Albiceleste sent the Chileans packing 4-1, with Gonzalo Higuain netting a hattrick and Lionel Messi also hitting the target, new coach Alex Sabella said it was as if a dead weight had been lifted from their shoulders.
Barcelona's Messi produced one of his best displays in the national shirt and after he capped the performance with a goal, Sabella, who succeeded Sergio Batista two months ago, said it was time to put to bed claims the superstar cannot replicate his scintillating club form at international level.
Sabella, who led Estudiantes to the Copa Libertadores two years ago, is tasked with leading Argentina through to the 2014 finals in neighbouring Brazil, but, beyond that, with making the two-time world champions a team to be feared once more.
Since a 1993 Copa success, seven coaches have come and gone without achieving senior level silverware.
The qualifying programme is the first step for Sabella and his charges to show that they have the right blend.
The task is made easier in principle by the absence from the qualifiers of already-qualified Brazil, meaning the Argentinians can go about their business fully focused on winning the group in the absence of the five-times world champions.
Venezuela will be a test on their own turf, having played some attractive football in reaching the Copa semis for the first time.
Four years ago, Argentina won the World Cup fixture 2-0 though they only just managed to qualify after some erratic showings with Diego Maradona taking the helm mid-campaign.
This time they have the bit between their teeth after thumping Chile although there will be no underestimating the Venezuelans even though the Albiceleste will be reinforced by the return from injury of Martin Demichelis and from suspension of Javier Mascherano.
Copa America winners Uruguay, having begun with a promising 4-2 home win over outsiders Bolivia, now meet Paraguay, the team they beat to land the continental crown in July.
Veteran Diego Forlan is warning that the test in Asuncion will be one of the most difficult of the tournament.
Paraguay got their campaign off to a rocky start in losing their opener away to Peru who, after a shocking 2010 qualifying programme, came third at the Copa America.
Peru will hope to keep their recent promising form going as they head for Chile while Colombia make their bow with a trek to face Bolivia at altitude in La Paz's Estadio Hernando Siles, where four years ago they managed a goalless draw.
There are four automatic regional qualifying slots up for grabs plus one via the playoffs.
FIXTURES
(kick offs GMT):
Bolivia v Colombia (0000 Wednesday)
Paraguay v Uruguay (2345)
Chile v Peru (2245)
Venezuela v Argentina (0050 Wednesday)