Mexico U-20 Advances, Faces Argentina or Nigeria in Next round
Santiago, Chile - Mexico’s Under-20 national team secured a 4-1 victory over chile today, advancing to the next stage of competition, where they will face either Argentina or Nigeria. The match, broadcast live in Spanish on ESPN+, saw a dramatic shift in momentum after a strong first-half performance by Mexico.
The initial success, described as a “collective presentation of commitment, solidarity and good football,” saw Mexico build a lead that initially left Chile reeling. However,Chile responded strongly after halftime,”biting space,ankles,death rattles,” and pushing Mexico into a defensive posture.
A goal by Fimbres shifted the dynamic, causing Chile to oscillate between hope and despair. Mexico regained control, wiht substitutions made by coach Eduardo Arce – Hugo Camberos replacing Gil Mora, Amaury Morales entering for Alexei Dominguez, and Oswaldo Virgen taking the place of Tahiel Jiménez. These changes proved effective, with Camberos later scoring two goals to extend Mexico’s lead.
Despite a late goal by Juan Francisco Rossell for Chile, finalizing the score at 4-1, Mexico maintained its dominance. The author noted Chile’s final efforts as “spasms of dignity more than of football.”
Looking ahead, the article highlights Argentina as the likely opponent, acknowledging their notable form, possessing “the athletic rhythm of Brazil, the soccer of Spain, the intensity of Morocco, and that almost posthumous fervor of Chile.” However, it also cautions that Argentina is not unbeatable.
Nigeria presents a challenging alternative, with a past advantage over Argentina in age-group competitions, boasting four wins to one draw and two defeats, including a recent victory in the 2023 Under-20s.
Ultimately, the piece emphasizes that Mexico has earned respect through its performance, regardless of the opponent.”Whoever it is, they will respect this Tri Sub-20. That, the respect of others, has been earned hard.”
