Argentina Crash Out Of FIFA Under-17 World Cup But Italy March On

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Ten-man Argentina lost out to Colombia in an all-South American clash, while USA fell to Italy in the round of 16 matches at the FIFA Under-17 World Cup in Nigeria on Wednesday.

At the Gateway International Stadium in Ijebu Ode, Argentina raced into a 2-0 lead after 56 minutes with goals from Leandro Gonzalez and Sergio Araujo, who netted his third goal of the competition.

Argentina goalkeeper Damian Martinez pulled off several saves to keep out their fellow South Americans for an hour.

However, Colombia kept coming at their opponents and were deservedly rewarded in the 63rd minute, when Jeison Murillo arrived at the far post to stab home a corner kick.

Almost immediately Colombia were awarded a penalty after Argentine skipper Esteban Espindola handled the ball inside the box. Espindola was sent off for his second booking but Gustavo Cuellar was denied by the post after he was made to retake the spot kick because of an infringement.

However, the new crowd favourites finally drew level in the 87th minute when substitute Jean Blanco smashed home from inside the box. Hector Quinones grabbed the dramatic winner in stoppage time.

The USA were sent packing from the tournament by Italy at the Ahmadu Bello Stadium in Kaduna.

Giacomo Beretta put the Italians ahead after 29 minutes before Nick Palodichuk drew USA level in the 51st minute. Five minutes later Pietro Iemmello netted the winner to catapult Italy into the quarter-finals.

Juan Agudelo of the USA was given a straight red card in stoppage for elbowing an opponent.

Samm Audu, Goal.com