The Argentina U20 national team has officially qualified for the 2025 U20 World Cup after clinching a decisive 1-0 victory against Colombia on February 10, 2025, at the Brígido Iriarte Stadium in Caracas, Venezuela. The thrilling match, part of the South American U20 Championship final phase, was characterized by intense competition between the two teams, with Argentina securing the win with just minutes left on the clock.
Ian Subiabre was the hero of the day, scoring the only goal of the match in the 86th minute. The goal came as the result of a momentary lapse in concentration from the Colombian defense, allowing Subiabre to strike unchallenged and finesse the ball past goalkeeper Jordan Javier García Bonnet.
This victory means Argentina ends the tournament with nine points out of nine, confirming their place at the U20 World Cup, set to take place later this year. Their campaign also included victories over Chile (2-1) and Uruguay (4-3) as they displayed their dominance throughout the competition.
For Colombia, the defeat was particularly heartbreaking, as they had hoped to secure at least a point from the match to keep their qualification hopes alive. Colombia’s U20 team started strongly, showcasing their determination and aggressive attacking strategy. Early on, they threatened Argentina's defense with shots from players like Batioja, who tested the waters but couldn’t find the net.
Despite Colombia's strong start, they struggled to convert their opportunities. Neyser Villarreal, their top scorer, who has been pivotal throughout the tournament, misfired on several occasions, letting chances slip away with shots lacking power and precision. A header from Mosquera almost put Colombia on the scoreboard, only to miss narrowly, which proved to be one of the turning points of the match.
Throughout the first half, both teams were well-matched, creating chances yet failing to capitalize on them. The Colombian side maintained decent possession but was unable to find the breakthrough they desperately needed. The pressure continued to mount as the match progressed, magnified by the fact Colombia had to secure points to remain competitive for World Cup qualification.
Colombia entered the second half with heightened urgency, aiming to control the game and create more scoring opportunities. They attempted different strategies, including utilizing set pieces to their advantage, but fell victim to Argentina's strategic defensive setups.
Just when it seemed the match would end without any goals, calamity struck for the Colombian team. The defensive mix-up allowed Subiabre the space he needed for his dramatic late winner. Colombia's players were left devastated as the realization of their missed opportunity settled over them.
Current standings show Brazil leading the group with nine points, alongside Argentina. Colombia, on the other hand, sits at just three points, necessitating victory in their remaining matches to salvage their hopes for World Cup qualification. Their next match against Chile looms as one of pivotal importance.
Despite the setback, Colombia’s U20 squad faces a glimmer of hope if they can rebound and secure victories against their upcoming opponents. The young Colombian talent, which includes various promising players, has shown resilience throughout the tournament, but they will need to tighten their gameplay and finish their chances if they are to turn their fortunes around.
On the opposite end, Argentina celebrates a well-deserved qualification for the World Cup, yet their focus will need to shift to maintaining this momentum moving forward. Their performance throughout the South American Championship has demonstrated their capabilities, which they hope to carry with them onto the world stage.
With the competition heating up and matches still to play, both teams are positioned at opposite ends of the qualification spectrum. Argentina looks forward with confidence, whereas Colombia must regroup and refocus to fight for their dream of competing on the world stage.