Mexico bid farewell to the U-20 Women’s World Cup with a 3-2 loss to Argentina, in a match that featured a comeback, VAR controversy, and a painful outcome for the team coached by Dorival Bueno.
El Tricolor needed a win to keep its hopes of advancing alive, but ended up finishing the group stage with just one point in three matches.
Argentina struck first, but Mexico fought back
The match would determine second place in the group. Argentina took the lead on a play down the right flank by Camila Ochoa, who sent a cross into the box for Annika Paz to tap the ball in from close range.
Mexico was forced to respond and found the equalizer in the 35th minute. Deiry Ramírez capitalized on a turnover by Argentina on the break and, with a powerful shot from outside the box, buried the ball in the top corner to make it 1-1.
Mexico completed the comeback before halftime. On a broken set-piece play, Alice Soto sent a bicycle kick pass that found Deiry completely unmarked in the near post. The Tigres forward connected with a header, lifting the ball over Priscila Siben to make it 2-1 in the 45th minute.
VAR Disallowed the Third Goal
In the second half, Deiry Ramírez made her presence felt again and scored what appeared to be her third goal of the afternoon. However, VAR reviewed the play, and a handball during the Mexican attack prevented the goal from standing.
Mexico let slip the chance to take a two-goal lead, and Argentina began to gain momentum, seeking an equalizer that would secure their spot in the next round.
The equalizer came on a free kick by Alma Velasco. Her shot hit the wall first, but she capitalized on the rebound and beat Camila Vázquez with just 13 minutes remaining.
Argentina Sealed Mexico’s Elimination
With the game tied, Mexico had to push forward again to try to regain the lead and secure second place in the group. However, defensive lapses ultimately doomed the Tricolor.
In the 91st minute, Mercedes Diz found herself one-on-one with Camila Vázquez and finished to seal the 3-2 victory in Poland.
Thus, Argentina secured the result it needed, while Mexico capped off a performance best forgotten at the U-20 Women’s World Cup.
What’s next for Mexico in the U-20 Women’s World Cup?
The Tricolor is practically eliminated with one point and a goal difference of -4. Although they were still in the qualifying zone at that point, the entire third matchday remained to be played to determine the best third-place finishers.
The loss to Argentina left Mexico relying on other results, with a very difficult path ahead to remain in the U-20 Women’s World Cup.
