Argentina are through to the FIFA U-20 World Cup final after edging Colombia 1-0 in an intense semi-final in Santiago. Substitute Mateo Silvetti was the hero, rifling home a fine strike to settle a tight contest and send La Albiceleste to a much-anticipated final against Morocco.
The match started cagey, with few clear openings. Colombia’s Juan Arizala came closest in the first half, firing just wide from a promising position. After the break, the game opened up dramatically as both teams probed for the edge.
Argentina had to defend bravely as Tobias Ramirez made a crucial intervention to deny Emilio Aristizabal, and goalkeeper Santino Barbi tipped over an Arizala header two minutes later.
The breakthrough came in the 72nd minute. Gianluca Prestianni fed Silvetti, who slipped his finish past Jordan García with a composed, low shot that found the net. It was his first brace at this level and a timely moment in his tournament run.
Colombia’s hopes dwindled further when Jhon Renteria was sent off after picking up a second yellow card for a foul on Dylan Gorosito. Reduced to 10 men, their task became near-impossible.
“This group went for it; we deserve it. There are no easy opponents, but we knew how to play well; today we deserve the final,” Silvetti reflected after the match.
“Throughout the tournament, I’ve said that Argentina has very good players, and both the starters and the substitutes have the potential to contribute.”
In reaching their eighth U-20 final, Argentina aim to add a record-extending seventh title. Meanwhile, Morocco made history themselves with a penalty shootout win over France in the other semi-final.
Argentina’s next test comes Sunday, when they’ll face a proud and confident Moroccan side in a clash of champions-in-waiting.
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