The Hindu : Sport / Football : Argentina crowned champion

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Tuesday, Jul 24, 2007
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Sport - Football

Argentina crowned champion

Chile defeats Austria 1-0 to finish third

Toronto: Mauro Zarate grabbed an 86th-minute winner as Argentina triumphed in the world Under-20 championship for the sixth time, coming from behind to beat the Czech Republic 2-1 on Sunday.

After a scrappy first half, the Czechs took the lead on the hour through Martin Fenin’s brilliant shot on the turn.

Two minutes later Argentina drew level through striker Sergio Aguero, the tournament’s top scorer with six goals, who coolly converted after latching on to a delightful through-ball from playmaker Ever Banega.

The game looked to be heading for extra-time until Zarate cut in from the left and beat Czech keeper Radek Petr at the near post with a fierce shot from the edge of the area.

Impressive fightback

Argentina has now won five of the last seven editions of the competition and its coach Hugo Tocalli praised the way it fought back. “Although we were 1-0 down, the confidence that the team has was enough to pull back.

“We worked very hard and we were confident. It was hard work but I knew that we could do it,” he said.

Tocalli picked out Aguero and Maximiliano Moralez for praise and predicted a bright future in the game for both.

Czech Republic coach Miroslav Soukup said his side had been clear second-best after the break. “I think we didn’t disappoint our fans and it was a very entertaining game and I am happy we played our part.

“Argentina just showed why they are world champions so many times and I think in the second half they outplayed us.”

Earlier, Chile defeated Austria 1-0 to finish in third place, ending the tournament on a happier note than the post-game brawl that followed its semifinal loss to Argentina on Thursday. — Agencies

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