Argentina under-20s emphatically confirmed their place at the World Cup later in New Zealand later this year with a 3-0 victory over Paraguay and are now one match away from being crowned South American champions. Giovani Simeone snapped up another brace to all but confirm his status as the tournament’s leading goal scorer and Leonardo Rolón added an absolutely unstoppable 30-yard rocket before being sent off late on.
In spite of the talented squad, Los Pibes entered the tournament with a sense of apprehension after previous failures but any doubts have certainly been answered as they stand on the cusp of a first under-20 title since the World Cup in 2007.
Paraguay had frustrated Argentina in the first round and ran out 1-0 winners but there was to be no repeat and once again Ángel Correa proved to be the difference. It was his dazzling run and shot that brought the opening goal that was easily tapped in by Simeone and so with Paraguay needing to push forward a little more, Argentina were able to capitalise on the break.
Simeone should have extended the lead before the break after Tomás Martínez had won a questionable penalty but the River youngster tamely fired to his right and saw his spotkick saved by Tomás Echagüe.
However, it did not take long for Argentina to make amends. Shortly after half time, Vélez youngster, Leonardo Rolón let fly from distance and his powerful shot never erred as it crashed into the top corner.
While most of Simeone’s goals in Uruguay have been from yards out when it would have been harder to miss than score, the 19-year-old still had plenty to do to add Argentina’s third. Facundo Monteseirín clipped a superb ball over the top and Simeone watched the line to elude the linesman’s flag, controlled the ball on his chest before rifling the ball past Echagüe with his left foot.
Simeone now has nine goals in the tournament with a game to go and is certainly enhancing his reputation as a fine poacher of goals if nothing else.
The only blot was the late sending off for Rolón, who picked up a needless second yellow. The midfielder has quietly been an important part of Grondona’s side and will be missed in the title decider against hosts Uruguay on Saturday.
The victory made certain of Argentina’s qualification to the Youth World Cup in New Zealand but they can now aim for even more. A point against Uruguay would see them crowned champions and book a place at the Olympics.
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