October 17 – From 24 teams down to two, Argentina and Morocco (pictured) will contest the FIFA U-20 World Cup final on Sunday in Santiago, Chile – a meeting that pits the world’s leading youth nation against breakthrough African talent.
History is on the South Americans’ side: no nation has won more U-20 titles than Argentina. The six-time champions, whose last triumph came in 2007, have the chance to repeat a rare double by holding both the senior and U-20 men’s world crowns – a feat last achieved by Brazil in 22 years ago.
La Albiceleste have looked every inch the favourites throughout the tournament, winning all six of their matches and conceding just twice.
Their semi-final against Colombia was settled by a moment of quality: a deft outside-of-the-boot finish from Matteo Silvetti after a clever ball from Gianluca Prestianni. The match was Argentina’s third consecutive clean sheet in the knockout rounds.
Morocco have reached the U-20 World Cup final for the first time, but it hasn’t been easy. Mohamed Ouahbi’s team overcame France in a gripping semi-final on Wednesday, prevailing 5-4 on penalties after a 1-1 draw.
The story of the night belonged to Abdelhakim El Mesbahi, the third-choice goalkeeper who came on near the end of extra time and saved the decisive penalty.
The North Africans have earned their place the hard way, with a route that has seen them dispatch Spain, Brazil, South Korea and the United States. Their previous best finish in the competition was fourth place in 2005, making Sunday’s final a landmark occasion for Moroccan and African football alike.
The question is whether they have what it takes to penetrate Argentina’s bulletproof defence – though their stubbornness may be the answer that nobody else could provide.
Contact the writer of this story, Harry Ewing, at moc.l1760712211labto1760712211ofdlr1760712211owedi1760712211sni@g1760712211niwe.1760712211yrrah1760712211
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