The Albiceleste wrapped up their regional run with a display of football against the New Zealanders.
That bold South American entry into the scene at the start of the year is now a memory. Argentina dominated Group A in the 2023 U-20 World Cup with a flawless record, weathered tough situations, and kept the field alive for the duration. This time, on the third match day, they cruised to a 5-0 triumph over New Zealand at the San Juan Bicentennial Stadium.
There’s no question: this marked the strongest stretch of Javier Mascherano’s leadership cycle. From the opening whistle, Argentina took charge, controlled play, and struck with intent. At four minutes, Ignacio Master Puch redirected a superb build-up by Brian Aguirre to notch the opening goal and set the tone for a high-energy attack.
The second goal arrived after fifteen minutes courtesy of Gino Infantino, who cut through with a precise diagonal and finished with composure. Yet the stadium’s energy rose to a new peak when Luke Romero delivered a moment of individual brilliance at 35 minutes. The winger collected the ball in midfield, dribbled forward, and, with a daring touch, placed it into the far corner beyond the reach of the goalkeeper. The sequence sent the San Juan crowd into raptures.
The second half confirmed Argentina’s dominance, with two more goals scored by Brian Aguirre, first at 50 minutes and then from the penalty spot late in the game. Alejo Veliz completed the scoring in stoppage time, sealing a commanding victory as Argentina looked to secure a favorable position for the round of 16. This result left them chasing a strong third-place team for advancement.
Next up, a look at the live actions of the party.
ARGENTINA – NEW ZEALAND, MINUTE BY MINUTE
ARGENTINE GOAL! The night’s fifth goal came when Alejo Veliz surged forward and finished decisively, capping a polished performance for the team.
ARGENTINE GOAL! Brian Aguirre capped a superb effort with a well-taken penalty to make it 4-0.
Penalty awarded to Argentina!
THE REVIEW OF THE VAR AND THE PENALTY FOR ARGENTINA
The official consulted the video assistant to confirm a handball. After review, the decision stood and Aguirre converted the spot kick, extending the lead to 4–0. pic.twitter.com/aNQZdzJxCB
— TyC Sports (@TyCSports) May 26, 2023
GREAT GOAL OF ARGENTINA! Luka Romero found the net and produced one of the tournament’s standout strikes.
CLOSING EVERYTHING: ROMERO’S EXCEPTIONAL GOAL
WITH A REMARKABLE PERSONAL RUN AND a clinical finish, LUKA ROMERO completed the scoring with a 3-0 lead over New Zealand.
ENORMOUS! pic.twitter.com/RzRbVrXNC3
— TyC Sports (@TyCSports) May 26, 2023
Almost Aguirre! A sharp move by the winger ended with a powerful shot that the keeper saved brilliantly.
AMAZING GAME BY AGUIRRE!
The Newell’s Old Boys talent pulled off a deft maneuver and found the target, but the New Zealand goalkeeper kept the sheet intact until the end. The Albiceleste celebrated a 2-0 result, secure in their momentum. pic.twitter.com/JLM2YlVi3t
— TyC Sports (@TyCSports) May 26, 2023
ARGENTINE GOAL! Infantino’s clever play helped Mascherano’s side break through quickly and decisively.
ARGENTINE GOAL! Maestro Puch lifted the mood with an opening goal that signaled the team’s intent for the night.
—
THE TARGET EXAMPLE
HOW TO WATCH LIVE ON TV AND STREAMING
The Argentina vs. New Zealand match was broadcast locally through Public TV, TyC Sports, and DirecTV Sports in Argentina. Online options included a free streaming platform that only required prior registration, with additional access via TyC Sports Play (subscription tied to a cable account) and DirecTV’s exclusive DG service. Other streaming choices came from Flow and Telecentro Play offered by their respective providers.
FORMATION
ARGENTINA
Federico Gomes Gerth; Lautaro Di Lollo, Valentin Gomez, Roman Vega; Federico Gauto, Federico Redondo, Ignacio Miramon, Gino Infantino, Luka Romero; Brian Aguirre and Ignacio Maestro Puch. Coach: Javier Mascherano.
NEW ZEALAND
Kees Sims; Finn Linder, Finn Surman, Aaryan Raj; Jackson Jarvie, Jackson Manuel, Fin Conchie, Adam Supyk; Norman Garbett, Oliver Colloty, Noah Karunaratne. Coach: Darren Bazeley.
Source: Goal