Argentina Under-16s crowned champions of Copa UC in Chile | OneFootball

The Argentine team defeated the host 2-1 and claimed the UC Cup, organized by the Universidad Católica.

The Argentina U16 National Team defeated Chile 2-1 and claimed the UC Cup, a friendly U17 tournament organized by the Universidad Católica.

The team led by Facundo Quiroga, who is part of Diego Placente's coaching staff, had already beaten the Chileans in the group stage with a resounding 4-1 victory.

The National Team took the lead with a goal from Giovanni Baroni in the 14th minute of the first half, and the Talleres de Córdoba player himself extended the lead four minutes later.

In the 20th minute of the same first half, Chile pulled one back through Lucas López; Argentina played most of the second half with one man down after Ulises Vallejo was sent off, but managed to hold on to the lead and become champions.

The U16 National Team had reached the final after drawing 1-1 with Peru yesterday and defeating them 6-5 on penalties. Argentina had fallen behind on the scoreboard after Roberth La Madrid headed into an empty net following a rebound in the box before the 20th minute of the first half; however, early in the second half, Alan Alcaraz capitalized on a pass from the back by Benjamín Vallejo, taking advantage of a disorganized defense to beat the goalkeeper and score the equalizer.

Afterwards, tempers flared following a hard foul by Peru’s Díaz, which sparked fights and shoving and resulted in his teammate Sandro Cometivos being sent off.

In the penalty shootout, the Albiceleste started off missing, but goalkeeper Thiago Parga saved two, including the decisive one against Rodrigo Vega. Earlier, Alcaraz coolly scored his penalty with a no-look shot.

Thus, Argentina advanced to the final, where this Saturday they defeated Chile 2-1. Third place went to Peru, who beat Colombia 1-0, while Independiente del Valle finished fifth.

This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇪🇸 here.