Argentina secured a 3-2 victory over Mexico U20 in their Group Stage-3 clash at Stadium Katowice on Thursday, a result that keeps them within touching distance of the group leaders. The home side needed every ounce of resilience after conceding twice before half-time, yet found a way to turn the game around through late goals. Mexico dominated possession and created more attacks, but Argentina's clinical finishing in the second half proved decisive.
A. Paz gave Argentina the lead at the 29-minute mark, a well-taken effort that silenced the visiting supporters. Mexico responded quickly through D. Ramirez, who scored at 36 minutes to level matters. The Mexican forward added a second at 42 minutes, and by then Argentina were on the back foot. A controversial moment arrived at 46 minutes when a goal by Ramirez was cancelled by VAR, leaving the visitors frustrated and the Argentine defence breathing again.
The second half brought further tension. Mexico pushed forward with 60 percent possession, testing the Argentine keeper with seven shots on target. Argentina, with just 40 percent of the ball, defended resolutely and looked to break on the counter. A. Velasco finally broke the deadlock at 78 minutes, a goal that shifted the momentum entirely. The Argentine supporters, who had watched nervously since the first half, began to believe.
What followed was a tense finale. Argentina held on grimly despite Mexico's pressure, and at 90+2 minutes M. Delgado sealed the victory with a late strike. The home side held on grimly through stoppage time, with V. Alvarez picking up a yellow card at 90+6 minutes as the final whistle approached. Argentina extended their unbeaten run through group play, while Mexico's hopes of progression took a significant dent.
The statistics told a story of contrasting approaches. Mexico created 119 attacks compared to Argentina's 94, yet both sides registered zero big chances. Argentina converted 6 of 10 shots on target, while Mexico managed just 4 from 7 attempts. The hosts made 270 passes with 64.8 percent accuracy, while the visitors completed 310 of 400 attempts. And here's the thing — possession meant little when the final whistle blew.
Argentina now sit in second place with 3 points from two matches, having suffered one defeat and one victory. Mexico remain in third with just 1 point from their opening two games. The gap between them narrows, and this result could prove pivotal in determining which side progresses further. Argentina will need to maintain this level of composure if they are to avoid another setback.