New Zealand v Argentina - U-20 FIFA World Cup - Group A

Friday 26 May, 6:00pm (Local) / Saturday 27 May, 9:00am (NZ)

Estadio San Juan, San Juan, Argentina

With a couple of positive results in the opening two games, the focus for the U-20s now shifts to the final group match, 1st vs 2nd. Argentina vs New Zealand. 

Argentina have a perfect record having won both of their games so far, edging out Uzbekistan 2-1 on Match Day 1 and decisively beating Guatemala 3-0 on Match Day 2. U-20s head coach Darren Bazeley highlighted his team's excitement at the prospect of facing the hosts in a packed-out arena, likely to be the biggest crowd many of his side have ever played in front of. 

New Zealand know that a win or a draw will guarantee them a place in the last 16. If they lose they could still potentially go through as one of the four best placed sides in 3rd but progression would depend on other results. 


What Darren Bazeley said about Argentina:



“We are excited, since the draw, it’s the game everyone has been looking forward to, I’ve watched some of the games so far, big crowds, unbelievable atmosphere, for some of the new players it’ll be a big experience but we can’t hide from it. It’ll be hostile but it’ll be exciting.

“Everywhere you go there’s gardens with football goals in them, every shop has photos and memorabilia, balls, shirts and boots. It is a very proud footballing nation, it's going to be a hostile and exciting environment, but at the same time it's just another game, and it’s going to be a great opportunity for people to stand up and show that they are ready for the moment.

“If we let them dominate the game they’ll hurt us, we are not going to be able to go and press them full on but we are going to try to put them under pressure, we do not want to sit off, we want to play aggressive, attacking football as well as defending. The days of New Zealand sitting in deep blocks and winning from counter attacks and set pieces are gone, we have a great set of players to win matches, this is a great opportunity for the guys playing in the game.”


Likely team: 

Bazeley has suggested that there is going to be room for rotation as his team has racked up a lot of minutes over the opening two games:

“They are not 90 minute matches anymore, we’ve played 100+ minute matches, with 10 minutes injury time overall. Including travel, and the fact that the matches have all been close, some of our guys are pretty heavy in their work load. We’ll look at what the best fit is for the game and who’s at their best. We need our 11 players to be at 100 percent so we need players that are ready to go and put a big shift in.” 


Key player to watch: Alejo Veliz

The physically gifted Rosario Central forward has been in inspired form, scoring in both matches he has played so far this tournament. Having scored both goals with his head, New Zealand will need to work hard to keep crosses from reaching the 19-year-old target-man to end his 100% scoring record. 


How to watch: 

Live on Sky Sport NZ from 9am (NZ)

Article added: Friday 26 May 2023