Argentina storm into U20 World Cup semi-finals after beating Mexico

By Kazeem Ugbodaga

Argentina’s U20 team marched into the semi-final of the FIFA U20 World Cup after a composed 2-0 victory over Mexico in a heated quarter-final clash that ended with two late red cards for the Mexicans.

From the outset, Argentina looked sharper and more organised, taking control of possession and dictating the tempo.

Maher Carrizo opened the scoring in the ninth minute, reacting quickest to a rebound inside the box and smashing the ball into the top corner to give Argentina an early lead.

Mexico, who lost Alexei Dominguez to injury within the opening ten minutes, attempted to regroup and control the game through short passes and long spells of possession. However, they struggled to penetrate Argentina’s disciplined defence.

Argentina doubled their advantage in the 56th minute when Juan Villalba’s clever pass found Mateo Silvetti, who cut inside and fired low into the left corner past Emmanuel Ochoa.

As the match drew to a close, tempers flared. Referee Jalal Jayed was kept busy, issuing multiple yellow cards before showing red to Diego Ochoa in the 92nd minute and Tahiel Jimenez in the 98th minute. Even Mexico’s coach Eduardo Arce and Argentina’s Diego Placente were cautioned in the closing stages.

Despite Mexico’s late pressure, including a brilliant save from Santino Barbi to deny Yael Padilla’s header, Argentina remained in control and saw out the win with calm professionalism.

With the victory, Argentina advanced to the U20 World Cup semi-final.