Host Argentina and North and Central American powerhouse the United States have advanced to the round of 16 at the FIFA U-20 World Cup 2023, topping their respective groups.
Argentina cruised to a 5-0 victory over New Zealand in the final Group A match of the tournament on Sunday (Sept. 27) at San Juan Stadium.
Having previously secured their spot in the round of 16 with 2-1 wins over Uzbekistan and 3-0 victories over Guatemala, Argentina finished the group stage with three unbeaten matches and looked like the ‘favorites’.
Having reached the round of 16 at the 2019 tournament in Poland, Argentina will be looking for their first win at home in 16 years.
Argentina will face one of the top three teams from Groups C, D, and E in the Round of 16.
After racing out to a three-goal lead in the first half, Argentina made it 4-0 in the fifth minute of the second half on a penalty kick by Bryan Aguirre.
In the 42nd minute, Alejo Velis scored the game-winning goal, finishing a clothesline cross from the left by Maximo Peron with a high header.
With his third goal in three games and his third of the tournament, Bellis moved into a tie for the tournament lead in goals with Marcos Leonardo (Brazil) and Justin Cuero (Ecuador).
At the same time, in Group A action at Santiago del Estero Stadium, Uzbekistan defeated Guatemala 2-0 to finish second in the group (4-1 W, 1 D, 1 L) and advance to the Round of 16.
Shakjozon Nemachonov scored back-to-back goals in the ninth and 20th minutes to lead Uzbekistan to victory.
New Zealand, who finished third in the group with one win, one draw and one loss (4 points), could still advance to the round of 16 depending on other group results.
New Zealand (-4 goals) has the same number of points as Uzbekistan (+1) but is third on goal difference.
The United States swept all three games in Group B to advance to the Round of 16.
The Americans defeated Slovakia 2-0 in their third Group B match at San Juan Stadium.
The Americans continued their “clean sheet” streak after defeating Ecuador 1-0 in Game 1 and Fiji 3-0 in Game 2.
The top-ranked Americans will play the round of 16 against one of the top three teams from Groups A, C, and D.
Cade Kerwell scored the game-winning goal for the second straight match, while Nikolas Tsakiris added a late stoppage-time winner 메이저놀이터.
In other action, Ecuador demolished Fiji 9-0 to take second place in Group B (6-2-1-1).
Slovakia dropped to third place with three points (1-2-1).