Argentina tops Venezuela, will face Brazil in Copa America semis

Lautaro Martinez scored a wicked backheel goal and Giovani Lo Celso buried a loose rebound Friday to give Argentina a 2-0 win over Venezuela and set up a semifinal blockbuster against South American rival Brazil.

La Albiceleste will meet the host nation July 2 in Belo Horizonte.

Martinez was fantastic throughout the quarterfinal, attacking Venezuela's defenders from the start with rugged enthusiasm. The 21-year-old delivered a spectacular effort in the 10th minute that put Argentina on the path to victory, diverting an attempt from a corner kick to give his country the lead.

He continued to contest for second balls in the first half and looked far livelier than compatriot Lionel Messi, who struggled to get past his marker.

Venezuela responded with more zest after the interval and took a greater share of possession, but Lo Celso doused the underdog's hopes with an opportunistic finish in the 74th minute. Venezuela goalkeeper Wuilker Farinez spilled Sergio Aguero's shot and allowed Lo Celso to swoop in.