Fernando Romero Nuñez 
Argentina’s U-17 football team trashed Brazil 3-0 to seal its way into the FIFA U-17 World Cup semifinals. Three goals from forward Claudio Echeverri helped the men’s national team get its first win over Brazil in the competition for this age group. The Albiceleste will now face Germany next Tuesday at 5:30 a.m. Argentina time for a place in the final.
The game’s first half was very dynamic, with both teams having scoring chances. Argentina hit first at the 27 minute mark, when a quick counter allowed Echeverri to hit a long range effort from outside the box, which deflected off a Brazilian defender to find the back of the net.
The Verdeamarelha had some chances to tie the game, but Argentine goalkeeper Jeremías Florentín proved solid between the sticks to reach half-time 1-0 ahead.
In the second half, Argentina took near-complete control of the game. As Brazil pushed for a tie, the Albiceleste scored again from a counter 12 minutes in. Echeverri received just outside the box and dribbled past two players to slot a shot to the bottom right to make it 2-0.
Twelve minutes later, another deadly Argentina counter found Echeverri, who received a pass into space from striker Agustín Ruberto and dribbled past the goalkeeper to complete his hattrick for the 3-0.
“I’m very happy with the win,” said man of the match Echeverri after the win. “I’m happy with how we played and the three goals. We want to enjoy this moment, and then we’ll think about Germany. We trusted ourselves; we got hit in the first game, but we got back up.”
Much like the first team did last Tuesday, the U-17 Albiceleste’s victory over Brazil comes in historic fashion. It’s the first time Argentina has beaten its traditional rival in this age group. The win also marks the sixth time it has reached the U-17 World Cup semifinals, a competition where it has never played the final.
The game against Germany will be available for free viewing via Argentina’s national public broadcaster, TV Pública, or through the cable sports channel TyC Sports.
