Ezequiel Barco brace powers Argentina in U-20 World Cup opener

Ezequiel Barco - Argentina Under 20 national team - May 25, 2019

Ezequiel Barco’s form with Atlanta United has carried over to the world stage.


The midfielder struck for a brace to help lift Argentina to a 5-2 win over South Africa in the Albicelestes first match of the FIFA U-20 World Cup in Poland.


The 20-year-old, who has four MLS goals, matching his season-high a year ago, as well as one assist in eight appearances for the Five Stripes, opened his account Saturday in the 63rd minute from the penalty spot.

Barco's best strike was his brace in the 71st minute, latching onto a cross and putting his full volley inside the far post from 16 yards out to extend Argentina’s lead to 3-1.

Argentina moves atop Group F on goal differential and next meet co-leaders Portugal on Tuesday.