Argentina U20 cruised into the quarter-finals of the FIFA U-20 World Cup after thrashing Nigeria’s Flying Eagles 4–0 in Santiago. It was a statement performance from Diego Placente’s side.
Alejo Sarco opened the scoring early before Maher Carrizo struck twice, including a stunning free kick, while substitute Mateo Silvetti completed the rout late on. For the Flying Eagles, it was a night to forget. Despite flashes of promise, they couldn’t match Argentina’s tempo or quality in key moments.
First Half
From the very first whistle, Argentina established dominance in the game. Their passing was precise, their movement sharp, and their intentions clear. Just two minutes in, the Albiceleste took the lead. A long diagonal pass found Alejo Sarco, who broke through the Flying Eagles’ defensive line and calmly finished to make the score 1–0.
That early goal rattled Nigeria. While the Flying Eagles tried to regain balance through Nasiru and Maigana in midfield, Argentina’s structure proved difficult to break. Acuna and Delgado dictated play, recycling possession smoothly and constantly finding gaps between Nigeria’s midfield and defense.
The South Americans doubled their lead before the break, and it came spectacularly. Maher Carrizo, standing over a free kick, curled a perfect strike into the top corner to make it 2–0. It was a moment of pure class that silenced any growing Nigerian confidence.
The Flying Eagles pushed late in the half, earning corners and nearly catching Barbi off guard, but Argentina held firm. The half ended with the Albiceleste comfortably in charge and Nigeria chasing shadows.
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Second Half
The Flying Eagles emerged from the tunnel determined to fight back. They pressed higher, won a few early corners, and tried to pin Argentina back. For a brief spell, it looked like momentum might shift, but Argentina’s discipline and efficiency quickly killed that hope.
On the counter, Carrizo struck again. A quick transition sliced through Nigeria’s midfield, and the midfielder finished clinically to grab his second of the night and Argentina’s third. That goal deflated the Flying Eagles’ resistance.
As the match wore on, Argentina showcased their tactical maturity — keeping possession, slowing the pace, and forcing Nigeria to chase. Late in the game, substitute Mateo Silvetti added a fourth after a smooth attacking move, wrapping up a dominant performance.
Nigeria created 14 attempts overall but only managed two on target. The Flying Eagles lacked the precision that Argentina displayed all night.
Player Ratings
Argentina U20
- Barbi (GK) – 7/10
- Soler (RB, C) – 7.5/10
- Ramirez (CB) – 7.4/10
- Pierani (CB) – 7.5/10
- Gorosito (LB) – 7.5/10
- Acuna (CM) – 7.6/10
- Delgado (CM) – 8.8/10
- Subiabre (RW) – 5.9/10
- Carrizo (CAM) – 9/10
- Montoro (LW) – 6.4/10
- Sarco (ST) – 7/10
Substitutes:
- Prestianni 7.9/10
- Silvetti 7.1/10
- Andrada 6.3/10
- Pagano 6.3/10
- Fernandez 6.2/10
Nigeria U20
- Harcourt (GK) – 4/10
- Ochoche (RB) – 5.2/10
- Bameyi (CB, C) – 6.2/10
- Aliyu (CB) – 5.6/10
- Okoro (LB) – 5.6/10
- Daga (CM) – 5.8/10
- Nasiru (CM) – 6.9/10
- Maigana (RW) – 6.8/10
- Ayuma (CAM) – 6/10
- Achihi (LW) – 6.6/10
- Arierhi (ST) – 6.4/10
Substitutes
- Ekele 6.4/10
- Kamaldeen 5.8/10
- Ibrahim 6.1/10
- Alatan 6.2/10
- Agada 5.9/10
Key Stats
- Possession: Argentina 53% – 47% Nigeria
- Shots: Argentina 10 – 14 Nigeria
- Shots on Target: Argentina 6 – 2 Nigeria
- Pass Accuracy: Argentina 82% – 74% Nigeria
- Corners: Argentina 3 – 8 Nigeria
Argentina were clinical with their chances, while the Flying Eagles lacked precision in the final third. Though Nigeria led in total shots and corners, Argentina’s efficiency in front of goal made all the difference.
Man of the Match
Maher Carrizo (9/10) – The creative heartbeat of Argentina’s attack. Scored two brilliant goals, including a superb free kick, and dictated the tempo from start to finish.
What’s Next?
Argentina match confidently into the quarter-finals, where they will face Mexico. The Albiceleste remain unbeaten and look every bit like title contenders.
