Argentina vs Guatemala summary: score, goals, highlights | U20 World Cup
Argentina vs Guatemala: As it happened
Argentina eased into the last-16 of the U20 World Cup with a comfortable 3-0 victory over Guatemala.
Javier Mascherano's team dominated the early stages and took the lead after 17 minutes when Alejo Veliz powered a brilliant header into the top corner.
They failed to take advantage of a number of first have opportunities but were given a boost when Guatemala's Carlos Santos was dismissed for a second yellow early in the second half.
Substitute Luka Romero doubled Argentina's lead midway through the second half with a fine strike from distance and they looked to be cruising to a win. That was until defender Tomas Aviles was sent of with ten minutes remaining.
Guatemala staged a late rally but it was Argentina who found a deserved third, the excellent Maximo Perrone prodded home a loose ball in the box.
An easy 3-0 win for the hosts in the end to reiterate their credentials at this tournament.
When is the next Argentina U20 World Cup fixture?
Javier Mascherano's side have got off to a brilliant start at their home tournament with two wins.
They have already secured a spot in the next round but can clinch top position, and a theoretically easier last-16 draw, by beating New Zealand on Friday, 26 May.
So that's the hosts Argentina through to the knock-out stages, who will be next to join them? Another of the pre-tournament favourites, Italy, are back in action tomorrow and could seal a place in the last-16 if they beat Nigeria.
Italy staged the shock of the tournament so far by beating Brazil 3-2 in the first round of matches. They could be through with a victory tomorrow but they face an impressive Nigeria side who beat the Dominican Republican in their opening fixture.
It look like a fascinating game and we'll have full coverage right here at AS USA. Alternatively, there are a number of ways to watch or stream Italy vs Nigeria...
How long is Tomas Aviles suspended for?
Argentina have ensured their passage to the last-16 but there will be some concern about Tomas Aviles, who was given a red card late on. How long will he be out for?
Fortunately for Javier Mascherano Aviles was dismissed for two yellow cards, meaning that he will only miss the final group stage game against New Zealand on Friday.
Aviles came into the team today and impressed during his 81 minutes on the pitch. He will be frustrated to have been dismissed with his team in control but he will be available for selection when the knock-on stage rolls around next week.
Confirmation that Argentina are through!
Back-to-back wins for the hosts ensures that Javier Mascheranos side will progress to the next stage of the U20 World Cup. Job done for La Albiceleste.
Two South American victories in the U20 World Cup
Here's the latest results from the U20 World Cup in Argentina. The hosts eased past Guatemala, while Columbia were made to work for a 2-1 win.
The Argentina team applauds a delighted crowd in the Estadio Madre de Ciudades. Javier Mascherano's team go top of Group A after two game, knowing that they are certain to progress to the knock out stages.
Peep, peep, peeeeeep
Full time here as Argentina run out 3-0 winners in their second game of the tournament.
A comfortable win for the hosts who played with a maturity and confidence that marks them out as one of the teams to watch at the U20 World Cup.
It's a fair score line for an Argentina team who have deserved a comfortable win here tonight. Their final ball has not always matched the quality of their build up but some of the play in midfield has been brilliant.
GOOOALLL! Argentina
And that, will be that.
Maximo Perrone was involved in the build up play and followed the run of Maestro Puch into the Guatemala box. Puch's effort is saved but Perrone is on the spot to poke the ball home.
Randall Corado (Guatemala)
Another one in the book. This time the substitute gets a yellow for a late challenge on Juan Guato, who has been one of the game's best performers.
Bit of a scuffle in the Guatemala box after Argentina squander a half chance. It looked like it was about to kick off but Moreno rightly tells him teammates to ignore the confrontation and get on with the game.
Can Guatemala score their first of the tournament in the final minutes?
Ten minutes of added time
There's plenty more to come in this Group A fixture.
Loads of subs, a goal and two penalties - it's hardly surprising.
Chance! Argentina
Juan Guato gets in behind the defence once again and is one on one with the goalkeeper. He tries to round Jorge Moreno but then goes to ground under a very minimal challenge.
No goal for Guato and no penalty for Argentina.
He's had much less of the ball in the second half but Arquimidez Ordones is still the one to watch for Guatemala. His dribbling and strength on the ball has enabled the few forays forward that his side have managed. If he had a little more quality in front of him the FC Cincinnati midfielder looks like he could be really dangerous.
This is the first game of the second round of group stage fixtures and we have the first red card of the tournament.
In fact, we have had two of them. It hasn't been a particularly ill-tempered game but we're down to ten vs ten.
Let's have a look at how Argentina are setting up in the absense of central defender Tomas Aviles...
It looks like Federico Redondo, normally a holding midfielder, will slot into the back four for the remaining minutes.
A rather hopeful ball forward set Daniel Cardoza through on goal. Aviles made a slightly clumsy challenge on the edge of the ball and is dismissed for a second yellow card.
Cardoza takes the resultant free kick and fires well over.
At least ten minutes still to play here. They couldn't, could they?
Red card for Argentina!
Crazy scenes as Tomas Aviles is sent off for Argentina!
Ten men apiece, game on!
Close! Guatemala
So nearly one back for Guatemala!
The ball is headed clear by an Argentinian defender but his clearance deflects back off a body in the box and looks to be heading goalwards. Luckily for Argentina Gomes Gerth is on his toes and makes a sharp save to maintain his clean sheet.
A free kick is awarded to Guatemala on the right wing, a good chance to get the ball in the box now..
Chance! Argentina
Substitute Maestro Puch pinches the ball off a Guatemala midfielder and drives at goal, eventually firing a right-footed shot straight at Moreno.
There were probably better options available to him there.
Argentina substition
Another one!
Javier Mascherano makes his final change. He withdraws Valentin Gomez for Federico Redondo, son of Real Madrid legend Fernando.
That spate of substitutions has disrupted the rhythm of the game slightly but Argentina are back in control now. Agustin Giay, the Argentinian captain, swings in a ball from the right but Moreno plucks it out of the air with his finger tips.
Guatemala substitution
Daniel Cardoza and Edy Palencia come on for ten-man Guatemala, reaplcing Arian Recinos and Jefry Bantes.
Argentina substitution
Valentin Carboni is withdrawn with game, you would have to assume, done. He is replaced in the midfield by Gino Infantino of Rosario Central.
Goal-scorer Luka Romero was born in Mexico and grew up in Spain but has set his footballing allegiances with Argentina. The 18-year-old forward has impressed for Serie A side Lazio this season, making 14 appearances for them in the Italian top flight.
That's the sort of strength in depth that few teams at this tournament can match. They may not have been at their fluid best in this half, but they have the players to hurt you.
GOOOAAAL! Argentia
They certainly can!
Luka Romero had only been on the pitch for a few minutes but the Lazio man's left-footed drive from 25 yards flies low into the bottom corner.
This is a different sort of test for Argentina now, forcing them to keep up the tempo of the game against an opponent who will be trying to slow things down. The home crowd is certainly a bit more subdued this half and their team has given them little to get excited about in the 15 minutes since the break.
Can those substitutions provide a fresh spark for La Albiceleste?
Just looking back at that second yellow for Carlos Santos; he arrived a touch late for a nothing tackle in the middle of the pitch but his studs were certainly high. It was a careless tackle from the Guatemalan midfielder and one that deservedly earns him a second yellow.
Argentina substitutions
It's Soule, Barco and goal-scorer Veliz coming off for Argentina. Romero Vega and Puch enter the fray. Can they reignite the Argentinian cause here?
Carlos Santos (Guatemala)
Where did that come from?!
It's a second yellow for Santos for a late challenge in midfielder. Hard to argue with that decision from the referee, a silly tackle from Santos. His team are really up against it now.
Three substitutes are being readied for Argentina.
They haven't really created anything of note during the first ten minutes of this half and it looks like Mascherano will make his changes.
Javier Mascherano is yet to make a change but he shouts over to the Argentina substitutes who are warming up. Valentin Barco has returned to the pitch but it doesn't look like Mascherano is going to risk the 19-year-old for too much longer.
Valentin Barco (Argentina)
Good play from the Argentinian left back to squeeze in a cross from the left but he's stayed down under a challenge. The medical staff are on the pitch to check on the young Boca Junior full back.
Thankfully Jorge Moreno is back on his feet and looks like he'll be ok to continue.
He plays the free kick short to Jeshua Urizar and we're back underway.
The corner is swung in and there's a big collision between goalscorer Alejo Veliz and the Guatemala goalkeeper Jorge Moreno.
Moreno is still down and will be dreading a repeat of Guatemala's first game of the tournament, when he was substituted due to injury.
Argentina had a corner on the left. Played short, it ended up with left back Valentin Barco whose deep cross finds Juan Guanto at the back post. He fires the ball goalwards but it is blocked by a Guatemala defender.
It's out for another Argentinian corner.
We've seen a bit more ambition from Guatemala in the opening stages of the second 45, a second striker came on at the break and Rafael Loredo's side look to be pushing forward more.
Guatemala substitution
Confirmation of that halftime change: Rudy Monuz is off, replaced by California-born striker Allan Juárez.
Second half underway!
We're back at it for the second 45...
The Argentinian players are back out at the Estadio Unico Madre de Ciudades. It looks like there's going to be a subsitution for Guatemala.
Argentina lead at the break
Javier Mascherano have a one-goal lead at the break and have dominated the ball so far. Midfielders Valentin Carboni, Maximo Perrone and Matias Soule have impressed for La Albiceleste but Guatemala have defended resolutely to keep the hosts at bay.
Alejo Veliz scored his second goal of the tournament with a brilliant header midway through the opening 45, powering a lofted cross into the top corner.
That's that for the first half
Both sides will probably be quite happy with that.
Argentina have a well-deserved lead; Guatemala go into the break with plenty still to play for in the second 45.
More hard running from Juan Guato on the right wing for Argentina nearly engineers a chance but he can't quite get the space for a shot. Not long to go now, Guatemala in possession.
Nearly a chance for Guatemala there! They have created little but the pace of Figo Montano on the left send him racing clear of the Argentina defence.
He rolls the ball across the six yard box but an Argentinian defender dives in to clear before in can reach Jefry Bantes lurking in the middle.
Four minutes of added time
Can Guatemala hold on until the break?
That dodgy patch of pitch nearly manufactures a chance for Argentina as Jeshua Urizar is wrong-footed by an uneven bounce. Argentinian float the ball back into the box but there is enough Guatemalan presence to repel the ball.
Tomas Aviles (Argentina)
The Argentinian defender flies into a challenge in the middle of the pitch but catches the Guatemalan player on his way to the ball. A deserved booking for the central defender.
Chance! Argentina
Alejo Veliz runs onto a clever through ball from Matias Soule, sending him through on goal. But Veliz drags his left-footed shot past Jorge Moreno's goal.
Carlos Santos (Guatemala)
The Guatemalan midfielder is booked for a scruffy tackle in the middle of the pitch. That's his second of the tournament, meaning that he will miss his side's final group stage game against Uzbekistan.
He needs to ensure that they make it through to the knock-out round, or his tournament will end tonight.
There has been some evidence that Argentinia's attacking play is not being helped by the state of the pitch at the Estadio Madre de Ciudades. Areas close to the Guatemala goal are particularly affected and one patch on the far right is borderlin unplayable.
The real point of differentiation between the two teams so far has been the relative qualities of their midfields.
The central area of the pitch has been dominated by the Argentinian trio of Maximo Perrone, Mateo Tanlongo and Valentin Carboni.
That talented trident currently plays for Manchester City, Sporting CP and Inter Milan.
Guatemala are playing with wingbacks in a 4-5-1 formation here but they have struggled to get their wide men forward. Javier Mascherano's side are, perhaps unsurprisingly, working hard out of possession and looking to make things difficult for the Guatemala backline.
Guatemala have managed to stem the tide for a few moments at least. Rafael Loredo's team will be hoping to get to half time with the game at 1-0.
Free kick cleared by a Guatemalan head.
Every dark blue shirt was back in the box, however, so it's easily picked up by Argentina and La Albiceleste are back in possession.
Dogged defending from Guatemala to prevent Veliz from getting a shot away when the ball is slipped through to him in the box. Argentina's midfield is starting to click into gear now and they are pinning Guatemala back in their own defensive third.
Free kick to Argentina on the left, Barco to take...
Argentina look to be operating in a lop-sided formation here with left-back Valentin Barco and right winger Juan Guato providing the width.
Guato was added to the starting XI for today's fixture and provided the cross the Argentina's opener.
Chance! Guatemala
It's end to end stuff now.
Arquimides Ordones shows more neat footwork to open up some space in the midfield and fires in a long-range effort that has to be tipped over the bar by Gomez Gerth.
That'll keep Javier Mascherano's side on their toes.
Goal disallowed! Argentina
The ball's in the back of the Guatemala net once again but the the official has his flag up, the ball was out of play during the build up.
Argentina force a careless pass from Guatemala with some high pressing and the home crowd roars appreciatively.
A chorus of 'Muchachos, ahora nos volvimos a ilusionar' rings around the stadium.
The hosts had been on top in the opening 15 minutes and their pressure results in a goal. It didn't look like there was much danger when the ball was floated in from the right but Veliz powered a header into the top corner from distance.
He's scored six goals in the Argentinian top flight already this season and adds to his international tally on home soil.
GOOOOAAAAL! Argentina
What a header from Alejo Veliz!
The Argentinian number nine steers a lofted ball into the top corner from around the penalty spot. Brilliant finish!
Close! Guatemala
Nearly a nightmare for the hosts!
Rudy Munoz gets into space on the left flank for Guatemala and sends a low cross into the Argentina box. An Albiceleste defender sticks out a boot and nearly deflects it into his own net. Fortunately for him, Gomes Gerth in the Argentina net makes the save.
First glimpse of Valentin Carboni in the middle of the pitch for Argentina. The 18-year-old has made five Seria A appearance for Inter Milan this season and is tipped for great things.
Chance! Argentina
Brilliant play from left back Valentin Barco who skips past a challenge on the left flank. His low cross is partially cleared and Argentina can't quick get a clear shot at goal.
The red-haired full back certainly seems to be the out ball for Argentina tonight.
Nearly a chance! Guatemala
A rather hopeful ball into the box nearly falls to Guatemala number nine Jefry Bantes. He can't quite bring the bouncing ball under his control and the ball goes out for an Argentina goal kick.
Ten minutes in, all square.
Entertaining start to things at the Estadio Madre de Ciudades.
The one slight concern, from a spectator's point of view, will be the state of the pitch. There are a number of brownish, rutted patches that already seem to be disrupting the run of the ball.
It's a brave diving header from Guatemala to clear it.
Argentina recycle the ball and look to play through the middle but Barco is felled by a robust tackle from midfielder Nestor Cabrera.
Corner to Argentina! Blonde-haired Juan Guato picks up a loose ball on the right flank and drives the ball low and hard into the box. Guatemala clear for a corner...
It's been a competitive start from both sides and Javier Mascherano is gesticulating wildly on the touchline. Argentinian left back Valentin Barco gets a first chance to go forward but is muscled out.
Nearly a sight at goal for Ordones there!
The US-born yongster shows neat control on the edge of the Argentina box and plays a sharp one-two that almost sets in him on goal. A covering defender clears for a corner.
First glimpse of the Guatemalan danger man, number ten Arquimides Ordones, on the left flank. He twists and turns up against the Argentinian backline but is squeezed out of it.
The hosts are straight on the front foot and force a corner, they look to play it short but Montano is over eager to close them down.
The referee has a word with the Guatemalan wing back but the following corner is comfortably cleared.
And we're off
Argentina get us started in their second game of a home tournament, let's see what they've got!
Argentina vs Guatemala: Starting XIs
In case you missed it earlier, here's how the two teams line up tonight...
Argentina starting XI: Gómes Gerth; Giay, Avilés, Gómez, Barco; Tanlongo, Perrone, Carboni; Gauto, Véliz and Soulé.
Guatemala starting XI: Moreno; Urizar, Franco, Dominguez, Recinos; Ordones, Cabrera, Santos; Munos, Bantes, Montano
Both teams are out at the Estadio Madres de Ciudades
We begin with the national anthem of Guatemala and the home crowd observed a respectful silence, while the visiting fans and Guatemalan players belt out their anthem.
Argentina to come now...
We're nearly ready for kick off!
The FIFA flags are being brought out onto the pitch, followed by today's match officials and the players for both Argentina and Guatemala.
Less than ten minutes to go until kick off now, the home crowd are ready to get started!
One to watch: Valentin Carboni
The Argentinian midfielder is one of the most promising young players in world football and has appeared for Inter Milan in Serie A this season. Valentin Carboni moved to Italy at the age of 14 and signed for Inter at 15.
He represented Italy's U15 side before opting to switch allegiances to Argentina, the country of his birth. Still aged just 18 the left-footed number ten has attracted interest from other European clubs and is expected to put pen to paper on a professional contract at Inter.
Following in their footsteps?
Few nations in world football can match La Albiceleste when it comes to producing players. As the next generation look to chart their paths into the game, here's who they would most like to share a pitch with...
Can Argentina take control of the group?
It hasn't been an easy start to the tournament for the host nation but Argentina could all but secure their place in the knock-out stages with a win tonight. Uzbekistan and New Zealand played out a 2-2 draw earlier today, meaning that Javier Mascherano's side could take a two-point lead at the top with a win tonight.
Little over half an hour to go at the Estadio Unico Madre de Ciudades...
And here's how Guatemala line up
Highly rated striker Arquimidez Ordonez starts for Guatemala as they take on hosts Argentina. Ordonez plays for MLS side FC Cincinnati and has scored ten times in 16 appearances for their second team.
Argentina U20 starting XI to face Guatemala
Javier Mascherano has made one change to the line up who started the 2-1 win over Uzbekistan in their first World Cup fixture, with Juan Gauto coming in to replace Brian Aguirre
Argentina starting XI: Gómes Gerth; Giay, Avilés, Gómez, Barco; Tanlongo, Perrone, Carboni; Gauto, Véliz and Soulé.
Argentina have struggled in recent games
As hosts, Argentina U20 will be expected to go deep into this tournament and Javier Mascherano has a talented squad at his disposal. However in recent fixtures La Albiceleste have struggled against less illustrious opponents.
They managed a 2-1 win over Uzbekistan in their tournament opener but lost four of their five previous matches. Here's how that run looked:
- Colombia 1-0 Argentina
- Argentina 1-0 Peru
- Argentina 1-3 Brazil
- Paraguay 2-1 Argentina
- Argentina 0-1 Chile
Kick off approaches in the Estadio Madre de Ciudades
In little over an hour Argentina U20 will take to the field in front of a packed home crowd in Santiago del Estero. Javier Mascherano's side will hope to improve on a narrow 2-1 win in their first game of the tournament.
Looking for a way to watch or stream Argentina vs Guatemala in the U20 World Cup?
We'll have all the build up and minute-by-minute live coverage right here, but you can also watch along in the United States. Here's everything you need to know...
Who will be the next Argentinian star?
Six months ago Lionel Messi lifted the one trophy that had always eluded him, the World Cup, in astonishing circumstance in Qatar. Now it is the chance of the next generation of Argentinian talents to stake their claim to follow in his footsteps.
There are no shortage of talents in Javier Mascherano's Argentina U20 side. Messi starred in 2005 when Argentina won this tournament for the fifth time.
What time is kick off for Argentina vs Guatemala?
The World Cup game between Argentina vs Guatemala will be played on Tuesday May 23, 2023 with kick off at:
5 p.m. ET
2 p.m PT
We'll have full coverage of all the action right here. There's little over an hour to go until kicck off now.
Javier Mascherano's young Argentines prepare
Former Liverpool and Barcelona star Javier Mascherano will lead a promising brunch of Argentinian players for this U20 World Cup on home soil. During his career Mascherano won everything on offer in the club game but can he ensure success on the international stage for his U20 side?
Argentina vs Guatemala: Live blog
Welcome to AS USA. I'm Will Gittins and I'll be bringing you live coverage of Argentina vs Guatemala in the Under-20 World Cup.
Hosts Argentina were one of the pre-tournament favourites but they struggled to a 2-1 win over Uzbekistan in their opening fixture and will want to put in an improved performance today.