Mexico thrash hosts Chile and reach U20 World Cup quarter-finals | OneFootball

Mexico thrashed Chile, the host of the U-20 World Cup, 4-1 on Tuesday and advanced to the quarter-finals of the tournament, where they will face Argentina or Nigeria.

The Mexicans opened the scoring at 26 minutes with a powerful shot from forward Tahiel Jiménez, after an assist from the young attacking midfielder Gilberto Mora, only 16 years old.

Chile dominated possession and created more chances after the break, but a long-range shot from midfielder Iker Fimbres silenced the Elías Figueroa Stadium in Valparaíso (100 km from Santiago) at 67 minutes. Mexico extended their lead with winger Hugo Camberos, who received a pass inside the area and finished with no chance for the goalkeeper towards the end (80′).

The goal spree continued with another shot from Camberos six minutes later (86′), against a Chilean team already in emotional shock.

“I think it was a complete match for the Mexican team, with good control of the moments and tension,” said Mexican coach Eduardo Arce to TUDN after the victory.

Chile scored their consolation goal through their captain Juan Rossel shortly after (88′).

The hosts closed a disappointing campaign in the U-20 World Cup, in which they only won the opening match of the tournament and qualified for the round of 16 only by receiving fewer yellow cards than Egypt, with whom they tied at three points in Group A.

“We had much more hope of doing better in the World Cup,” lamented Chilean coach Nicolás Córdova to DirecTV Sports, acknowledging Mexico's superiority.

“It's heartbreaking to get this far (…) we worked hard, but people don't see the sacrifices and efforts we made. I think we gave our best until the end,” added an emotional Chilean defender Felipe Faúndez.

Mexico, runner-up in the 1977 edition, will face Argentina or Nigeria, who will duel this Wednesday at the National Stadium in Santiago at 4:30 PM (Brasília time).

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