U-20 World Cup: Italy, Mexico, and Spain Secure Knockout Spots as Australia Keeps Hope Alive
The FIFA U-20 World Cup in Chile has reached a thrilling conclusion to the group stage, with Italy, Mexico, and Spain all advancing to the knockout rounds. Meanwhile, Australia kept their hopes alive with a crucial victory over Cuba. Here’s a detailed breakdown of today’s matches.
Mexico 1 – 0 Morocco: Gilberto Mora’s Penalty Seals Progress
In a tense encounter at Estadio Elías Figueroa Brander, Mexico edged past Morocco with a 1-0 victory, thanks to a second-half penalty from Gilberto Mora. The match began slowly, with both teams struggling to create clear chances in the opening period. However, the game ignited after the restart when Obed Vargas’s shot struck the hand of Anas Tajaouart, leading to the penalty.
Mora stepped up confidently and slotted home his third goal of the tournament, giving Mexico the lead. Morocco fought back, but a quick response was thwarted by an offside flag against Younes El Bahraoui.
With this result, Mexico secured second place in Group C and will face host nation Chile in the knockout stage. This performance marked a significant achievement for Mexico, as they finished the group stage undefeated for the first time since 2007.
Spain 1 – 0 Brazil: Iker Bravo Eliminates South American Giants
In a nail-biting clash at Estadio Nacional Julio Martínez Prádanos, Spain triumphed over Brazil with a 1-0 victory, eliminating the South American giants from the tournament. The only goal came from Iker Bravo in the 47th minute.
Spain had struggled in the first half, with Brazil creating several chances, including a missed opportunity by Luighi, who failed to convert a one-on-one with goalkeeper Fran Gonzalez. However, Bravo turned the tide shortly after halftime, expertly rounding the Brazilian goalkeeper Otavio after a slick assist from Pablo Garica.
Brazil ramped up their pressure in search of an equalizer, but Gonzalez was in inspired form, making crucial saves to deny Rhuan Gabriel and Luighi. This defeat marked a historic low for Brazil, as they were eliminated from the tournament at the group stage for the first time.
Argentina 1 – 0 Italy: Dylan Gorosito’s Solo Effort Tops Group D
Argentina secured their position at the top of Group D with a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Italy, thanks to a stunning solo goal from Dylan Gorosito in the 74th minute. The match was tightly contested, with both teams hitting the woodwork in the first half and Italy having a goal disallowed for a foul in the buildup.
The breakthrough came from an unlikely source as substitute right-back Gorosito picked up the ball 25 yards from goal. He navigated through two defenders and coolly finished, securing Argentina’s top spot in the group for a record eighth time this millennium.
Argentina will face a third-placed team from Groups B, E, or F in the knockout round, while Italy progresses as runners-up.
Australia 3 – 1 Cuba: Young Socceroos Keep Knockout Dreams Alive
In a crucial match, Australia triumphed over Cuba with a 3-1 victory at Estadio Elías Figueroa Brander, allowing them to keep their hopes of advancing alive. Max Caputo was the star of the show, scoring two goals, becoming the first Australian to net a brace in the U-20 World Cup since Anthony Danze in 2003.
Australia started strong with Caputo opening the scoring in the 20th minute after a powerful strike from Louis Agosti was saved. Daniel Bennie quickly doubled the lead with a well-placed shot. Caputo added his second goal shortly after halftime, capitalizing on a defensive mix-up in the Cuban backline.
Cuba managed to pull one back through Alessio Raballo, who converted a cross from the left, but Australia held on to secure the win. The Young Socceroos now await the results of Groups E and F to see if they can progress as one of the best third-placed teams.
