Argentina's Mascherano warns not to underestimate Venezuela in quarter finals

Argentine soccer player Javier Mascherano said that facing Venezuela in the quarter finals of the 2016 Centennial Copa America "will not be easy", according to statements cited on Friday by local sports media.

"Venezuela will not be easy. They have come (into the tournament) with a good dynamic and physically they are very strong," said the player, who also plays for Spain's Barcelona, during a news conference after the national team's training session at the Harvard Stadium, in the U.S. city of Boston, Massachusetts.

The Venezuelans "are powerful players, with good plays in the air," and for that reason they are a very dangerous opponent and if you commit an error "you will be going home," said the 32-year-old Argentine defender and midfielder.

Mascherano added that Venezuela's former goalkeeper's promotion to coach has caused "a footballing and mood change" in the Venezuelan national team.

"He made them confident. He gave them results and they can complicate any match," assured the Argentine player.

The winner of the match which will take place in Boston on Saturday morning will then go on to play the United States, in the semi-finals since the host team defeated Ecuador 2-1 in the first quarter finals match on Thursday. Endit