Argentina have successfully defended their world youth crown, beating the Czech Republic 2-1 in the FIFA Under-20 World Youth Cup 2007 held in Canada. It means that the Albiceleste have now won 6 Under-20 titles, more than any other nation; 5 of them came in the last 7 world youth championships. The latest triumph is remarkable in that Argentina went through the tournament unbeaten, & won all their matches in the knockout stages within the regular 90 minutes, without ever needing extra-time.All the goals appeared to be well-taken goals. The Czechs took the lead in the 60th minute via striker Martin Fenin, who shot brilliantly on the turn. However, Argentina's young sensation Sergio Aguero equalised just 2 minutes later thanks to a superb through pass from young Boca Juniors midfielder Ever Banega. Then in the 86th minute, another of Argentina's star forwards, Mauro Zarate, cut in from the left side & unleashed a powerful shot past the Czech keeper.
Both Argentina & Czech Republic actually played each other earlier in this tournament, in the group stages. In fact, it was their very first match of the tournament, & on that ocassion it finished 0-0, a game in which the Czechs managed to contain the Argentines. Both teams have obviously done very well to get to the final, with both teams getting past very talented opposition in the quarter final stages (Czechs edging out Spain on penalty shoot-out, Argentina narrowly beating Mexico).
The triumph gives Argentina a strong case for having the best young football talent in the world. By all accounts, their football has been very entertaining, full of skill & enterprise. Even though beaten, it is hoped that the Czechs will not be too disappointed. They can be extremely proud of their achievement, & huge credit must go to them for getting this far, only losing narrowly to a very very talented Argentinian side (& in that sense the Czechs have nothing to be ashamed about). As their coach said, Czech Republic went further in the tournament than any other European team, & they certainly proved worthy of their place in the final. I hope that the players from both teams will go on to have very successful football futures. Some of them will be pushing for senior national team places for their respective countries.
Sergio Aguero certainly had a ball during the tournament, finishing as top scorer & best player/MVP awards. Already having played a couple of games for Argentina's senior team, he will surely go on to become a star for Argentina & possibly one day become the best striker in the world. Aguero also helped Argentina win the 2005 World Youth Cup, although on that occasion he was not a regular - Messi was the star of the tournament then. This time, in Canada, Aguero played a more prominent role for his country, & his top scorer & MVP awards is proof of that. But of course, he is not the only star of the Argentinan youth side. Expect others such as Mauro Zarate, Ever Banega, Maximilliano Moralez, Angel Di Maria, Lautaro Acosta & Damian Escudero to also have very bright futures, which will hopefully include hoisting the Copa America & the World Cup. There's also the keeper Sergio Romero, & also others which are not mentioned (can't remember them all!).
Some have said that not all players who shine at youth level will go on to do the same at senior level. That may be true, & is caused by various factors including player burn-out. Hopefully with careful nurturing, all that can be avoided & the youth players of this tournament (not just Argentina, but also Czech Republic & other sides) will go on to have good careers at senior level.
Meanwhile, in view of Argentina's latest triumph, & for carrying on their proud tradition at youth level, let me say viva Albiceleste. Long may the champagne football continue into the future.
Sergio Aguero receives the Golden Ball award, from FIFA president Sepp Blatter (left & FIFA vice-precident Jack Warner (right).
Pictures of the Argentina under-20 team with the trophy:
Source: Yahoo Sports.
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