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Teenager Sergio Aguero set the hosts on their way by scoring his first international goal four minutes before half-time while Javier Zanetti made a record-breaking 116th appearance for Argentina.

The win gave Argentina a maximum nine points from their three games in the South American group. Bolivia have one point and have yet to score.

Bolivia, who slumped to their 11th successive defeat in Argentina despite the backing of a noisy contingent at the River Plate stadium, failed to muster a serious shot on Roberto Abbondanzieri's goal.

Aguero, 19, was surprisingly included in Argentina's team by coach Alfio Basile, who picked him in a three-man attack with Carlos Tevez on the left and Lionel Messi on the right.

The hosts struggled against a packed Bolivia defence for the first 40 minutes and only Messi's individual efforts worried the visitors.

Bolivia goalkeeper Carlos Arias was forced to dive at Messi's feet as he burst into the penalty area and the Barcelona player also had a shot deflected wide in the 26th minute.

Messi went close again after a move involving playmaker Riquelme and Aguero before Argentina broke through in the 41st minute.

Tevez crossed to the far post where Martin Demichelis rose to head the ball across goal for the unmarked Aguero to nod in.

Riquelme looked lethargic early on but came to life after half-time, one of his free kicks producing a superb one-handed save from Arias in the 51st minute.

The 'keeper was powerless six minutes later as Riquelme converted a pinpoint 30-yard free kick which dipped into the top left-hand corner.

Riquelme, sidelined at his Spanish club Villarreal after falling out with coach Manuel Pellegrini, made it 3-0 with a stylish, sidefooted finish after another run by Messi in the 74th.

Reuters