Argentina downs Germany at Under 17 World Cup

It was one of the most anticipated matchups of the opening round at the Under 17 World Cup in Nigeria and it certainly did not disappoint.  Two world powers clashed with Argentina grabbing a 2-1 victory and winning Group A.

Germany snatched the early lead as they scored off a long free kick in the 8th minute.   The long kick caught the Argentina defense napping as it floated over two defenders and getting past the keeper for an easy tap in for Mario Goetze.

Argentina took control and bossed the match from there outshooting Germany 18-8 the rest of the way.  Germany held strong and kept the game at 1-0 into the 2nd half, but that was where Argentina would finally break through.

In the 56th minute Daniel Villalva was taken down in the German penalty area leading to a penalty kick that captain Esteban Espindola calmly put away to tie the match.  Just moments later Argentina grabbed the lead from the stunned Germans when a poor backpass was stolen and knocked home by Sergio Araujo.

Germany were clearly on their heels from giving away two goals in only two minutes and were never able to recover.  The 2-1 win clinches passage for Argentina and leaves Germany reeling on only one point from their two games.  Germany will need to beat Honduras in their last group match later this week to gain passage to the knockout round at the Under 17 World Cup.