Argentina recovered from Saturday's disappointing 2-2 home draw against Chile to outclass Venezuela 3-0 away in a one-sided World Cup qualifier on Tuesday.

Pablo Aimar set Argentina on their way when he started and finished a counter-attack in the seventh minute.

Two more goals in a seven-minute spell before halftime, from much-criticised forward Hernan Crespo and his striking partner Cesar Delgado, effectively ended the match as a contest.

Venezuela, keen to prove they are no longer the ugly ducklings of South American football, had gone into the match with hopes of a first-ever win over Argentina and their beleagured coach Marcelo Bielsa.

They had not lost in their previous 11 home games, a run stretching back nearly three years.