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Argentina 1 Venezuela 1: Sampaoli's men held to costly draw

Argentina were held to what may prove to be a costly 1-1 draw at home to Venezuela in World Cup qualifying on Tuesday.

The hosts dominated in Buenos Aires, but remarkably fell behind early in the second half when Jhon Murillo struck for Venezuela.

But Jorge Sampaoli's men were unable to find a second, having frustratingly been denied throughout the first half by Venezuela goalkeeper Wuilker Farinez.

The draw was enough to at least lift Argentina into fifth – the play-off spot – heading into the final two matches in October.

Also coming off a 0-0 draw – theirs against Colombia – Venezuela coach Rafael Dudamel brought in Arquimedes Figuera, Junior Moreno and Murillo for Tomas Rincon, Josef Martinez and Darwin Machis.

Argentina needed a quick response and they got it, Acuna – Di Maria's replacement – doing brilliantly down the left before his cross was turned into his own net by Feltscher.

Icardi then appeared to be brought down by Mikel Villanueva in the area on the hour-mark, but penalty shouts were rejected.

The hosts continued to push for a winner, but their final pass continually let them down as Venezuela held on for a shock draw.