Back to the Soccer Newsfeed

Mascherano praises Venezuela improvement under Dudamel

Javier Mascherano praised Venezuela's improvement under coach Rafael Dudamel ahead of their Copa America Centenario quarterfinal meeting.

Argentina defender Javier Mascherano has been left impressed by Venezuela's improvement under new coach Rafael Dudamel ahead of their quarterfinal meeting at the Copa America Centenario.

A 3-0 win over Bolivia on Tuesday confirmed Argentina as the Group D winner, meaning it will face Group C runner-up Venezuela in the last eight of the tournament on Saturday.

But Venezuela has been no easybeat at the special-edition centenary tournament, defeating 15-time champion Uruguay and Jamaica on its way to the quarters, while also playing out an admirable 1-1 draw with Mexico.