Impressive Mexico outlast Argentina - IFA U-17 WORLD CUP
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| FIFA.com |
A goal in each half has given Mexico a perfect start to their FIFA U-17 World Cup campaign as El Tri secured a deserved win over Argentina in Chillan. Kevin Magana got Mexico rolling after ten minutes, and a penalty from Francisco Venegas with 13 minutes remaining made the contest safe.
The match was a high-intensity affair from the outset, befitting of a tough Group C which also includes Germany and Australia. Argentina could have taken an early lead following a marvellous run from Tomas Conechny which ultimately came to nothing.
But it was Mexico who looked more dangerous, dominating periods of possession with a slick one-two passing game. El Tri were soon rewarded as Claudio Zamudio teed up Kevin Magana who cut in from the left and took advantage of the space left by the defenders to fire home from the centre of the penalty area.
Argentina often used the counter-attack as an outlet, with Conechny their more dangerous option, most notably with a low header on the stroke of half-time.
The match proved to be more balanced after the interval though Magana could have extended the advantage only to be denied by Marcos Peano in the Argentina goal. The Albiceleste missed a golden opportunity to draw level but Matias Roskopf fired wide from near the penalty spot. Mexico took full toll soon after as Eduardo Aguirre was brought down by Peano and Venegas duly converted.
Argentina had another great chance to get on the scoresheet but Pablo Ruiz was unable to finish a fine counter-attack to sum up a poor day in front of goal for the South Americans. Mexico next meet Australia on Wednesday afternoon, while Argentina will tackle Germany later in the evening.