Argentina under-17s produced a well-below par performance last night in Asunción and were deservedly punished by Uruguay, which after Brazil’s earlier victory may have ended Los Pibes hopes of lifting the trophy.
Without suspended captain, Tomás Conechny, Argentina never really looked like threatening the Uruguayan goal during the opening forty-five minutes and instead found themselves two down. Santiago Mederos gave Uruguay the lead before a goalkeeping error from Franco Petroli allowed Roberto Fernández’s shot to squirm past him.
Miguel Lemme’s side were reduced to ten men after the break when Juan Di Lorenzo was sent off and although River Plate youngster Exequiel Palacios pulled one back with a fine individual goal it was not enough. Matías Escudero was also shown a red card in stoppage time but Argentina knew that they had missed a great opportunity.
World Cup qualification was confirmed but the chances of winning the tournament are now slim. Argentina will have Conechny available but will need to defeat Ecuador and hope that winless Colombia defeat Brazil on Sunday night.
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