Maracaibo, June 29:

Striker Hernan Crespo equalled Diego Maradona’s Argentine goal count as the Copa America favourites beat the US 4-1 in Group C.

Roque Santa Cruz scored a hat-trick to lead Paraguay over Colombia 5-0.

After the US went ahead in the ninth minute via a penalty by Eddie Johnson, the Argentines quickly equalised as Crespo knocked home a loose ball after a free kick by Juan Roman Riquelme.

Argentina renewed offense in the second half, with Crespo scoring his record-equalling goal, followed by a charging header by substitute Pablo Aimar. Carlos Tevez, who started on the bench, added the fourth in the final minutes.

Crespo equalled Mar-adona’s 34 goals for “la albiceleste.” The achievement was made special by the presence of Maradona at the game.

Retired stiker Gabriel Batistuta is Argentina’s all-time top scorer, with 56 goals.