The National Stadium in Santiago witnessed another proud moment for Argentina’s U-20 team as they defeated Colombia 1-0 to book their place in the World Cup final.
Diego Placente’s boys showed determination and discipline throughout the tense semi-final match. The only goal came in the 71st minute when Mateo Silvetti finished off a brilliant solo run by Gianluca Prestianni, who was the star performer of the night.
Colombia started strongly, putting pressure on Argentina in the early minutes, but the Albiceleste gradually found their rhythm. The first half ended goalless, with both sides battling hard in midfield.
In the second half, Placente’s substitutions made the difference. Silvetti, who came off the bench, struck the decisive goal after Prestianni’s clever play on the right wing.
Argentina then showed calmness and solid defending to protect their lead. Colombia’s task became harder when Jhon Rentería received a second yellow card and was sent off in the 79th minute. Despite being a man down, the Colombians pushed for an equaliser but were denied by Argentina’s firm defence and goalkeeper Santino Barbi’s key saves.
With this win, Argentina’s U-20 team return to a World Cup final for the first time in 18 years, maintaining a perfect record of six wins in six games. They will now face Morocco in Saturday’s final as they aim to lift their seventh world title.