Silvetti Strike Sends Argentina Back To U-20 World Cup Final After 18 Years
2 min read
By Sedara Philip
Argentina have booked their place in the 2025 FIFA U-20 World Cup Final after a tense 1–0 victory over Colombia on Wednesday night in Santiago, Chile.
The Albiceleste showed discipline, tactical maturity, and flashes of individual brilliance to overcome a determined Colombian side and return to the tournament’s biggest stage for the first time in 18 years.
The decisive moment came in the 71st minute when Mateo Silvetti found space on the edge of the box and fired a low shot beyond Colombian goalkeeper Sebastián Guerra.
The goal sparked wild celebrations from the Argentine bench and supporters, who sensed history beckoning once again for the youth side.
Argentina’s head coach Diego Placente, a former international defender, deserves huge credit for his side’s balance between defensive solidity and attacking intent.
His decision to introduce fresh legs in midfield midway through the second half paid off as Argentina began to dictate play and pin Colombia deeper into their own half.
Colombia, who had impressed throughout the tournament with their intensity and fluid attacking play, struggled to find their rhythm against Argentina’s compact backline.
The Cafeteros’ best chance came in the first half when Tomás Ángel forced a fine save from Argentine goalkeeper Federico Gomes Gerth.
Their hopes of a comeback were further dented when Jhon Rentería received a second yellow card in the 78th minute, reducing Colombia to ten men. Despite late pressure, they couldn’t find an equalizer, and the final whistle confirmed Argentina’s long-awaited return to a U-20 final.
This marks Argentina’s first appearance in a U-20 World Cup Final since 2007, when they were led by a young Sergio Agüero and won their sixth title. The nation now stands on the brink of a seventh crown, which would further cement their dominance in youth football history.
Their run to the final has been marked by resilience and moments of brilliance including knockout wins over Uruguay and now Colombia showing the same fighting spirit that defined Argentina’s senior World Cup-winning side in 2022.
Standing between Argentina and glory is Morocco, who made history of their own by defeating France 5–4 on penalties in the other semifinal in Valparaíso.
The North Africans have been one of the tournament’s surprise packages, combining tactical discipline with fearless football to reach their first-ever U-20 World Cup final.
The clash between Argentina and Morocco promises to be a thrilling encounter a meeting of history and hunger, experience and ambition.
Meanwhile, France will take on Colombia in the third-place playoff, as both sides look to end their campaigns on a positive note
Sedara Philip is a Sports writer, an administrator,Journalist,and editor
