In a match that was lacking in inspiration from both teams, the United States managed to secure a 1-0 victory against Ecuador in their opening game of the Under-20 World Cup. The match took place in San Juan, and it wasn’t until injury time that the United States was able to find the back of the net. Left-back Jonathan Gomez shot from the edge of the box one minute before the final whistle to beat Ecuador’s goalkeeper Gilmar Napa.
Until Gomez’s winner, the best opportunity was on the hour after an embarrassing mistake by Ecuador’s Napa. His clearance hit his defender Christian Garcia in the face. The ball fell to American striker Diego Luna, who shot wide despite the empty goal. Ecuador, the team of teenage sensation striker Kendry Paez, did not produce a single shot on target.
Group B Standings
With Slovakia beating Fiji 4-0 in their opening match, the United States ended the first round of games in second place in Group B. The Americans now have a chance to secure their spot in the next round with a win against Fiji on Tuesday. The same could happen to Slovakia in their match against Ecuador.
New Zealand and Argentina Win
The first goal of the tournament came from New Zealand, who secured a 1-0 victory against Guatemala in a Group A game. Norman Garbett scored the only goal of the match in the 80th minute. Meanwhile, Argentina beat Uzbekistan 2-1, with all three goals coming in the first half.
Indonesia Forced to Withdraw as Host
Argentina inherited Indonesia’s spot in the tournament as host after protests in Muslim-majority Indonesia against hosting Israel forced FIFA into a very late switch of venues. Indonesia does not have formal diplomatic relations with Israel.
Overall, the United States will be pleased with their opening victory against Ecuador, even if it did take until injury time to secure the win. With a chance to secure their spot in the next round against Fiji, the Americans will be hoping to build on this victory and continue their strong start to the tournament.
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