Argentina and Germany clash in U-17 World Cup semi-final in Indonesia 2023
In a match filled with emotion and changing fortunes on the scoreboard, the Albiceleste fought hard to level the score in the final moments but fell short in the penalty shootout that decided the semifinal.
The Argentina national team at Under 17 level carried immense enthusiasm into the knockout phase, but their title dream ended in the semi-final against a disciplined German side. After sixty intense minutes, Germany’s fitness and efficiency edged the contest in their favor, and even though Argentina forced extra time and penalties, the European team advanced to the final with a 4-2 edge in the shootout, leaving the Argentines to reflect on a commendable campaign that fell just shy of the ultimate prize.
Group stage of the U-17 World Cup in Indonesia 2023: groups, matches, schedule and results
From the opening whistle, Argentina signaled their intent. Echeverri surged forward in a blistering one-on-one after barely ten seconds, setting a tone of urgency. Brunner opened the scoring with a curling left-footed strike from the flank, finishing off a move that began with relentless pressure. A few minutes later, Dylan Gorosito contributed to a promising sequence that culminated in Agustín Ruberto finding the net just before halftime, giving Argentina a 2-1 lead as the first half drew to a close.
The second half intensified the encounter. Argentina pressed with purpose and looked to extend their advantage, but Brunner had the time and space to deliver a precise cross, and Moerstedt rose highest to steer a powerful header past Florentín, restoring parity for Germany. The match remained tightly contested, with Argentina seeking a breakthrough through individual actions rather than sustained build-up play. Both Echeverri and Mastantuono created chances, yet the German goalkeeper produced key saves to keep the score level. Ruberto emerged as a pivotal figure for Argentina, equalizing late in the spell and forcing penalties after a dramatic 3-3 draw that kept the outcome in doubt until the very end.
From the spot, Germany showed the composure and efficiency typical of a seasoned side, converting four attempts while Argentina could not find the same rhythm. Mastantuono and Echeverri both missed their initial efforts, setting the tone for a European mastery in the shootout that finished 4-2 and sent Germany into the final, with Argentina left to shoulder the disappointment but proud of their performance in a demanding tournament run.
The live and instant online summary of Argentina vs. Germany of the U-17 World Cup in Indonesia 2023: videos, formations, goals and controversies
- ARGENTINA’S GOAL! Ruberto again levels at 3-3, sealing the need for penalties to decide the semifinal
- GOAL FROM GERMANY! Moerstedt unleashes a precise header to reclaim the lead for the Germans
- GOAL FROM GERMANY! Brunner capitalizes on a late cross to slot home and make it 2–2
- ARGENTINA’S GOAL! Ruberto with a clever hook and left-footed finish puts the South American side ahead
- ARGENTINA’S GOAL! Gorosito fights his way through and Ruberto expects the equalizer
- GOAL FROM GERMANY! Brunner fakes inside, drills outside and nets his second of the match
- After 10 seconds, Echeverri has the early shot and just misses the target despite the pressure
- With the absence of Santi López in attack, this is how Placente’s kids are performing
THE LITTLE DEVIL HAD IT FROM THE MIDDLE!
Argentina applied high pressure in the opening phases, with Echeverri nearly scoring as the semi-final unfolded against Germany in the U-17 World Cup. pic.twitter.com/SgTMRHn7PE
— TyC Sports (@TyCSports) November 28, 2023