In the U20 World Cup match on June 1, Beijing time, Argentina played Nigeria. The two teams are old rivals, whether in the World Youth Championship or the World Cup, there are records of head-to-head play, Argentina is good at playing Nigeria. Among them, in the final of the World Youth Championship in '05, Messi scored twice on penalties to help Argentina win the championship against Nigeria. But this time, Argentina lost. 0-2！ Argentina is out, losing two consecutive titles in just four months, and the manager is afraid to leave the class in the most humiliating way.
Argentina won three consecutive games in the group stage of this World Youth Championship, finishing first in the group. Although Nigeria is in third place in the group, the strength of this team is not weak. In the group stage, Nigeria won 2-1, with Brazil and Italy, and defeated Italy during the period, and due to the low goal difference, it was in 3rd place, the best group of the 6 groups, and finished qualifying.
Against Argentina, Nigeria launched a series of threatening attacks in the second half after withstanding the opponent's three-board axe. In the 57th minute, Nigerian player Nadi completed a push from outside the box, the ball hit the crossbar, and Argentina escaped. Four minutes later, Nigeria picked out a pass behind Argentina and youngster Mohammed scored, leaving Argentina behind. Nigeria sealed the victory in the 91st minute when they scored the ball by Sargi on the counter-attack and Argentina were eliminated.
Argentina's performance in this World Youth Championship can be described as a tiger, they were very successful in the group stage, but they did not expect to be kicked out in the first round of the knockout round and missed the quarterfinals of the World Youth Championship.
This Argentine team has well-known rising stars such as Baylis, Romero, Gauto, Perone, Carboni and other well-known stars, and the squad is very strong, and it is the favorite to win the World Junior Championship. However, Argentina could not take advantage of the opportunity while playing at home and were eliminated early.
Argentina failed to win the World Youth Championship and coach Mascherano bears the greatest responsibility. In the U20 Copa America match played earlier this year, Mascherano's U20 Argentina national team lost 1-3 and failed to reach the main draw of the World Youth Championship, and Mascherano was dismissed. Argentina then replaced Indonesia as the host of the World Youth Championship before getting the chance to participate, and Mascherano was invited to be the team's manager again (Scaloni had supported Mascherano).
Now, under Mascherano's leadership, Argentina's World Junior Championships on their doorstep have reached the last 16. Mascherano's coaching ability is indeed limited, delaying this group of young players in Argentina, and it is estimated that he will be out of class twice in 4 months.