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Bellis’ 3 consecutive goals…North and Central America’s powerhouse, the United States, wins 3 ‘no runs’
(Seoul = Yonhap News) Reporter Ahn Hong-seok = The host country Argentina and the North and Central American powerhouse United States each advanced to the round of 16 of the 2023 FIFA U-20 World Cup after finishing first in their group.
Argentina beat New Zealand 5-0 in the final third match of Group A of the tournament held at San Juan Stadium on the 27th (Korean time).
Argentina, which previously defeated Uzbekistan 2-1 and Guademala 3-0, and confirmed its advance to the round of 16, finished the group stage with a 3-game win, showing the appearance of a ‘championship candidate’.
Argentina, which reached the round of 16 in the Polish tournament in 2019, will challenge its first championship in 16 years in this tournament held at home.
Argentina will play one of the top 3 teams in Groups C, D and E in the round of 16.
After scoring three goals in the first half alone, Brian Aguirre’s penalty goal in the 5th minute of the second half ran away to 4-0, giving a sense of victory.
In the 42nd minute of the second half, Alejo Bellis finished a clothesline cross from Maximo Peron from the left with a high RBI header to score a key goal.
Bellis, who scored three consecutive goals and the third goal in the tournament, rose to the top of the scoring rankings with Marcos Leonardo (Brazil) and Justin Quero (Ecuador).
In the Group A match held at the Santiago del Estero Stadium at the same time, Uzbekistan defeated Guatemala 2-0 and advanced to the round of 16 with a 2nd place in the group (4 points, 1 win, 1 draw, 1 loss).
Shakzozon Nemachonov scored consecutive goals in the 9th and 20th minutes of the first half, taking the lead in Uzbekistan’s victory.
New Zealand, which is third in the group with 1 win, 1 draw and 1 loss (4 points), can expect to advance to the round of 16 depending on the results of other groups.
New Zealand (-4 goals) has the same number of points as Uzbekistan (+1 goal), but is behind in goal difference and is in third place.
The United States also secured their place in the round of 16 by winning all three matches in Group B.
The USA defeated Slovakia 2-0 in the third Group B match at San Juan Stadium.
After defeating Ecuador 1-0 in the first match and Fiji 3-0 in the second match, the USA continued their streak of ‘zero score’.
Group 1 ranked USA will play one of the top 3 teams in Groups A, C and D in the round of 16.
Cade Kerwell was responsible for the second consecutive goal and the winning goal, and Nicholas Chakiris scored a key goal in extra time in the second half.
In the other game, Ecuador defeated Fiji 9-0 and took second place in Group B (6 points, 2 wins, 1 loss).
Slovakia is in 3rd place with 3 points (1 win, 2 losses).
