The rise of Morocco in world football has been rapid, and a penalty kick win over France in the semifinals of the 2025 FIFA U-20 World Cup has them dreaming of their first ever title in the tournament. Standing in their path is none over than footballing giants Argentina, who have six titles in this tournament, but haven’t won it in nearly 20 years.
Argentina’s Kids Are More than Alright
Facing CONEMBOL rivals Colombia, a team Argentina has had consistent rivalries with across competitions and footballing formats, it was a goal from Inter Miami’s Mateo Silvetti that was the difference. Silvetti didn’t start the game, but as a second half substitute he was the difference maker in the 72nd minute. Prior to that, Colombia was the team that had generated chances, but playing with just a five man bench, and later a man down as the talented Jhon Renteria was red carded. Colombia had at least three clear scoring chances, mostly in the first half.
Argentine goalkeeper Santino Barbi from domestic club Talleres said about the game (translated) “they started with a very intense pressure that did not let us play our game, but in the second half we were able to handle the ball.”
Colombia’s history of painful losses against Argentina is etched on the national psyche, but the side can still come home with silverware if they win the third-place match. Argentina are likely favorites in the final, the team is undefeated and hasn’t conceded a goal in their last four matches, three of which were elimination matches.
Marvelous Morocco Prevails in Penalty Shootout
Morocco’s football program is living in its golden era right now. The team just qualified for a third consecutive FIFA World Cup, and have been without defeat for some time now, after finishing 4th at the 2022 FIFA World Cup, their best ever result.
The youth team is in their first ever FIFA U-20 World Cup final, by virtue of winning on penalty kicks over a strong French team. France conceded first with an own goal by their goalkeeper Lisandru Olmeta. Lucas Michal responded in the best way, with a second half goal to even the game for France. Morocco had a late chance to take the lead, and also played extra time with a man advantage as France was red carded (Rabby Nzingoula), but the game would ultimately go to penalties to decide the victor.
Morocco depended on their third-choice penalty kick specialist keeper Abdelhakim Mesbahi in the shootout, and the strategy prevailed it was 4-4 on kicks before Mesbahi saved a penalty, Naim Byar was the final penalty converted for the North African side.
France is left with an intriguing match against Colombia for third place. While it’s clear Argentina’s impressive young talent is ready to fill the boots of legendary players like Lionel Messi and Angel Di Maria. Two of Argentina’s best U-20 internationals Franco Mastantuono (Real Madrid) and Claudio Echeverri (on loan at Bayer Leverkusen from Manchester City) are not even on this World Cup team. Boca Juniors Milton Delgado are among the standout players to feature in this final.
Main Photo Credit: Imago Images
