Agüero leads Argentina into Copa América last eight

The two-time world champions were on the brink of elimination after collecting just a point from their first two games but kept their quest for a first title since 1993 alive.

It took the South Americans just three minutes to open their account against the tournament debutants at Arena do Grêmio in Porto Alegre.

A sloppy defensive pass went straight to Lautaro Martinez who fired beyond Qatar goalkeeper Saad Al Sheeb from 15 yards.

Argentina dominated the match but invited side Qatar, the Asian champions, were almost level at the interval when Hassan Al-Haydos was a mere inches away from converting a cross at the back post.

The Albiceleste finally put the game to bed in the 82nd minute when Agüero made up for several squandered chances to rifle an effort across goal and into the back of the net.

Qatar's defeat sees them finish bottom of the group, with their only point coming in a fightback 2-2 draw with Paraguay.

Colombia had already claimed top spot in Group B ahead of their clash with Paraguay but made it three wins from three with a 1-0 win at Itaipava Arena Fonte Nova in Salvador.

A second-string side lined-up as Carlos Queiroz took the opportunity to rest players for the quarter-finals.

The only goal of the game came in the 31st minute when midfielder Gustavo Cuéllar slid the ball under Paraguay goalkeeper Roberto Fernández.

Luis Díaz thought he had doubled the lead in the second half but the goal was ruled out after a Video Assistant Referee review.

Paraguay, who have two points, face a nervy wait to find out if they have done enough to progress out of Group B with one of the two best third-placed records.

They will only go through if tomorrow's Group C match between Japan and Ecuador is a draw.