Argentina was crowned champion of the FIFA Under-20 World Cup after defeating the Czech Republic 2-1 in the tournament finale at Toronto's BMO Field Sunday.
With this latest title, the South American powerhouse succesfully defended its 2005 championship and hoisted the World Cup for an unprecedented sixth time.
Led by team captain Sergio Aguero, who took the competition´s Golden Boot and Ball honors, the Argentines grew stronger as the game wore on, going from less to more, cracking down on a strong Czech squad and overcoming a one-goal deficit on their way to victory.
Although superior in the aerial game, the European side could only hope to contain the talented offensive trio comprised of, Maxi Moralez and Pablo Piatti, whose explosive speed and technical ability constantly caused headaches for the opposing side.
The firt half was characterized by fast paced and aggressive soccer, with numerous scoring oportunities for both sides. Although Argentina came out of the gates with a slight edge, its European counterparts never backed down and answered every advance with an attack of their own.
The first 45 minutes of play ended scoreless, although both sides created a handful of offensive chances.
The Czechs finally took the lead in the 60th minute. Lubos Kalouda avanced through the left flank, freed himself of various Argentine defenders and sent a cross that connected perfectly with Martin Fennin, who wasted no time opening the score.
Argentina only needed two minutes to respond, however. Ever Banega served a long pass to Aguero, who slipped through two defenders and deposited his shot in the back of the net.
Moralez tried to surprise Czech goalkeeper Radek Petr with a long range shot shortly after Aguero´s goal, but his try went far wide.
In the 69th minute, Moralez threatened his rivals one more time after recovering a loose ball in the Czech area, but his shot was deflected just in time by an opponent.
As the clock advanced, however, Argentina found its rhythm, gaining confidence by the minute. In 73rd minute Czech defenders knocked down Piatti close to their area; Moralez took the resulting free kick but Piatti, his intended receiver, was unable to control.
Argentina scored the championship goal four minutes before the end of regulation time. After receiving a short pass from a corner kick, Mauro Zarate faked a defender and, from 20 yards out, unleashed a low, piercing shot inside Petr's near post.
In front of 19,526 fans, the South Americans pressed on in search of the third goal. Spanish referee Alberto Undiano Mallenco´s final whistle gave way to euphoria on the Argentine side and tears for the Czechs.
Rony Hernandez is a contributor to MLSnet.com. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Soccer or its clubs.
