29 May 2023
The Under-20 World Cup continues in Argentina.
It’s been the perfect campaign so far for the hosts, with three wins out of three in the group stages for the Albiceleste. Matias Soulé started the first two games and featured as a second-half substitute in the third. In the opening match, Argentina secured a 2-1 come-from-behind victory against Uzbekistan (Veliz and Carboni the scorers). In the second, Veliz, Romero and Perrone found the back of the net in a 3-0 win over Guatemala before concluding the group with a resounding 5-0 win over New Zealand thanks to goals from Maestro, Infantino, Romero, Aguirre and Veliz. Ten goals scored and only one conceded in three games for the host nation.
Riccardo Turicchia’s Azzurrini endured a somewhat more complicated journey through the group stages. It started well, with a 3-2 victory over Brazil (Prati and Casadei on the scoresheet) before suffering a 2-0 loss to Nigeria. In the third and decisive match, the Azzurrini needed three points against the Dominican Republic to advance, and did just that, securing a 3-0 victory thanks to goals from Casadei – a brace – and Ambrosino. At the same time, Brazil beat Nigeria 2-0, leaving all three nations on 6 points, with Italy pipping Nigeria on goal difference. In the Italy squad, but yet to take to the field, is also our very own Filippo Fiumanò.
Felix Nzouango Bikien left his mark at the World Cup for France, despite a disappointing showing for the European nation. The defender born in 2003 remained on the bench in the first two matches against South Korea and Gambia, with both matches ending in a 2-1 defeat for his side. He was given his chance in the final group stage fixture, finding the back of the net in a 3-1 win over Honduras, as France ended the tournament third in their group.
