Argentina fail to reach the final and win the elusive Under 17 World Cup

Argentina’s hopes of adding the Under 17 World Cup to their array of titles is over following a 3-0 defeat to current holders, Mexico. Despite the crushing scoreline, Argentina will look back on the match ruefully as things could have perhaps been different.

The opening 5 minutes set the tone for the game and leaves Argentina cursing their luck. Sebastian Druissi’s penalty miss so early was a blow but for Ivan Ochoa to poke Mexico ahead a minute later was a nightmare start and one which Argentina never really recovered.

That being said, at just a goal down Argentina did begin to settle and Marcos Aspina saw a glorious opportunity saved smartly by Raul Gudiño. However, as Argentina wasted a chance at one end, Mexico made no mistake at the other.

21 minutes played, another headed knockdown, and again Ivan Ochoa was free in the box to smash the ball into the net. Argentina rightfully aggrieved as the Mexican front man was clearly offside when the ball was flicked on.

To make matters worse on the half hour mark, Sebastian Druissi missed another presentable opportunity and a minute later Joaquin Ibáñez was sent off for a challenge on Ochoa.

A thoroughly miserable first half came to an end and the writing was on the wall for Argentina.

The second half performance was admirable but the 10 men could not find a route back and with moments remaining, Granados was sent clear and powerfully fired past Augusto Batalla.

Batalla was sent off in the closing stages but the game was well and truly over. Argentina will have to endure the third place playoff against either Sweden or Nigeria but the main prize has eluded them once again.