Hosts Argentina have become the first team to advance to the round of 16 at the U-20 World Cup 2023.

Argentina defeated Guatemala 3-0 in their second Group A match of the tournament at the Santiago del Estero Stadium in Santiago, Argentina on Thursday (June 24). With a 2-1 win over Uzbekistan in the first leg, Argentina will clinch at least second place in the group, even if they lose to New Zealand in the third and final leg. The four best-placed teams from each group will advance to the round of 16. Argentina, the reigning champions (1979-1995-1997-2001-2005-2007), are one step closer to their seventh title.

Argentina took a 1-0 lead into halftime on a header from Alejo Velis in the 17th minute. Argentina continued to attack in the second half, scoring a Luca Romero mid-range goal in the 20th minute and a Maximo Peron strike in stoppage time to seal the 3-0 victory.안전놀이터

Both teams exchanged some wild attacks on the day. In the 13th minute of the second half, Guatemalan midfielder Carlos Vargas was sent off for a second yellow card in a tackle. It was his first ejection of the tournament. Then, in the 37th minute, Argentina center back Tomas Aviles had to leave the field due to accumulated cautions.

The match between Uzbekistan and New Zealand in the same group ended in a 2-2 draw. New Zealand finished second in the group with one win and one draw (4 points), while Uzbekistan finished third with one win and one draw (1 point). New Zealand took the lead in the first half with goals from Benjamin John Wallace in the 23rd minute and Jay Hudman in the 41st minute. Uzbekistan fought back with goals from Abbosbek Fayzullaev in the sixth minute of the second half and Sherzod Esanov in stoppage time to earn a point.