The Argentina U20 national team lost 3-2 against Paraguay in the final match of the Sudamericano hexagonal stage, missing out on the championship title. The tournament, held in Venezuela, secured Argentina, Brazil, Colombia, and Paraguay spots in the U20 World Cup in Chile later this year.
Heading into the final matchday, Argentina needed a victory by at least four goals to overtake Brazil, who had earlier defeated Chile 3-0. However, Diego Placente’s team fell short of the required margin, allowing Brazil—despite their 6-0 loss to Argentina in the group stage—to claim the title.
The news of Brazil’s victory appeared to impact Argentina’s performance. Paraguay dominated early, and though the halftime score was just 1-0—thanks to a goal from Luca Kmet—the deficit could have been larger due to Paraguay’s poor finishing.
Early in the second half, Paraguay extended their lead through Tiago Caballero, putting Argentina’s hopes out of reach as they now needed six goals. Placente’s squad responded, as Vélez forward Maher Carrizo scored twice to level the score. However, just as Argentina looked set to complete the comeback and end the tournament with a win, Diego León scored for Paraguay, securing the victory.
Argentina finished the Sudamericano as runners-up with 10 points, having remained unbeaten until yesterday’s loss. Brazil won the trophy with 13 points, while Colombia and Paraguay finished just behind Argentina with nine. Uruguay and Chile, with one point each, rounded out the table, though Chile had already secured World Cup qualification as the host nation.
U20 South American Championship fixture and standings.
Overall a good job by placente. Last game especially 1st half we dropped level & paid the price. But high probability this team will do good at upcoming U20 World Cup.
Not sure why placente preferred Martinet over Bambi for bulk of tournament. Martinet made some good saves vs paraguay. But previous matches looked shaky.
Quite saddened by the outcome. Somehow by the first 20 mins itself the fate of the match was decided. The team was no match to the way the boys of Paraguay played. Other than Echeverri and Gimenez, none seemed to be enjoying the situation. I would also be surprised if other than these two and Ruberto, Soler make it big on the senior stage.
Its pretty irritating to see pelligrini has preferred antony in the starting 11 and lo celso to play away from goal. Isco in no 10 role and antony at right wing. Poor lo celso. He just carried betis all the time. And now that coach put him in DM position where he is vulnerable. It is 100% sure that lo celso is the most talented out there in that betis team going forward. But as always a brazilian who was a flop gets the position.
Our Argentine players are built to play for Barcelona, real madrid like teams. But our current golden generation except one or two playing in second tier clubs within the top level category. Why real and barca kept avoiding our gems? And choosing more and more Brazilians and French is still a mystery?
We are the reigning World Cup and twice in a row Copa America champions. Elite clubs suck out more energy and health from players, they play more games. I am fine with our players not always playing for so called elite clubs, that did not deter us from winning major trophies. Let brazucas stretch themselves at Real, or whatever.
I totally agree. If our players get plenty of play time and play in top leagues, but aren’t overworked because they play in every competition all the time, they are going to have more energy for National Team games. I’m all for them playing at Betis and Benéfica and Tottenham