Alejo Véliz and Valentín Carboni both scored for the Argentina U20 national team in their 2-1 win vs. Uzbekistan at the U20 World Cup.
Argentina U20 national team coach Javier Mascherano has his team off to a winning start. Despite having much of the ball, it was Uzbekistan who took a 1-0 lead after Makhmudjon Makhamadjonov beat goalkeeper Gomes Gerth at his near post to give Uzbekistan the 1-0 lead.
Javier Mascherano’s team would draw level just minutes later. Agustín Giay would send a cross in to Alejo Véliz and his header was initially punched away by the goalkeeper but would fall into the goal and Argentina would draw level.
Moments after that, a tackle by Giay in his penalty area led to a penalty. The referee went to VAR and would speak on the microphone saying he has reversed his decision and it is not a penalty.
Valentín Barco would play a short pass in to Valentín Carboni and the number 10 would drive inside the penalty area and would score with his effort to make it 2-1 for Argentina.
The second half saw Argentina have more possession of the ball and Javier Mascherano made several changes. Federico Redondo was brought on for Máximo Perrone while Luka Romero was substituted in on for Matías Soulé.
Mascherano would make three more changes. Ignacio Miramón for Mateo Tanlongo, Gino Infantino on for Valentín Carboni and Ignacio Maestro Puch for Alejo Véli was the last substitution.
They would get the 2-1 win and Argentina top Group A at the U20 World Cup. Their next match is on Tuesday against Guatemala.
The goal from Uzbeks was shocking. Several of our defenders just stopped running thinking it was an offside. In the era of VARs that clearly shows lack of awareness of modern football. The coach should have taught them not to stop playing as either the referee or the VAR would take the right offiside call, even if late.
I will say it now … just being honest… with these players a great showing in this tournament will be a trip to the semifinals …