Argentina eliminate Nigeria from U-20 World Cup after 4-0 thrashing
Six-time champions Argentina eliminated Nigeria from the ongoing FIFA U-20 World Cup finals in Chile on Wednesday evening, winning their Round of 16 tie in Santiago 4-0 to avenge the Flying Eagles’ triumph over them at the same stage when the Argentines hosted the tournament two years ago.
Alejo Sarco scored Argentina’s first as early as the second minute, before Maher Carrizo doubled the advantage from a free-kick in the 23rd minute, disrupting Nigeria’s game plan. Carrizo’s goal came following a challenge by midfielder Nasiru Salihu at the edge of the box.
An appeal for a penalty from Nigeria was waved off by the referee despite Ramirez’s clumsy challenge on Salihu in the vital area. Oseer Achihi was a constant threat from the left wing, as his crosses into the box forced the Argentines to defend stoutly, conceding throw-ins and corner kicks to relieve the pressure.
Daniel Daga’s stoppage-time close-range effort on goal was denied by goalkeeper Santino Barbi’s superb save to keep the scoreline 2-0 at halftime. Carrizo compounded matters for Nigeria with a third goal in the 53rd minute after the South Americans broke forward once more.
Second-half substitute Matheus Silvetti beat the offside trap to bend his kick to the bottom right of Ebenezer Harcourt for Argentina’s fourth goal in the 66th minute.
The defeat meant elimination from this year’s championship for two-time silver medallists, Nigeria.
