The CommBank Young Socceroos have been defeated 4-1 by Argentina in the second group stage game at the FIFA U-20 World Cup 2025™.
They will now require a win against Cuba in the final group stage game to have a chance of advancing to the Round of 16 as one of four best third-place teams.
Daniel Bennie scored Australia's first goal of the tournament to halve the deficit in the second half, but it wasn't enough against a very strong Argentina side.
Head Coach Trevor Morgan made three changes to the team that started against Italy in game one. James Overy, Jaylan Pearman and Tiago Quintal replaced Luka Jovanovic, Joshua Inserra and Fabian Talladira.
Argentina started the match on the front foot. Alejo Sarco was played through on goal in the third minute, before slotting the ball into the bottom corner of the net. The goal was initially ruled out due to contact on Sebastian Esposito. After review, the goal stood, giving Argentina an early lead.
The six-time champions could have doubled their lead after a fantastic free kick from Maher Carrizo, but Steven Hall was equal to the task, batting it away from the top corner.
The Young Socceroos built into the half as it went on. They had their first opportunity after a dangerous free kick from Rhys Youlley. The ball fell to Esposito's head after Argentina failed to clear, but his header looped just over the crossbar.
Australia thought they equalised in the 34th minute. Tiago Quintal won the ball from Tomas Perez, and finished well with a deft chip over the goalkeeper. However, after review, the goal was disallowed after the contact on Perez was deemed to be a foul.
It was Perez who dealt the next blow just before half-time. Carrizo held up the ball after a second ball in from a free kick. Perez arrived into the penalty area at the perfect time to tuck the ball away for Argentina's second.
There were no changes at half-time for either team as Australia looked to get themselves back into the game.
They almost did so five minutes into the half. Sebastian Esposito forced a fantastic save out of Santino Barbi after a corner. There were strong appeals for handball in the box as Argentina attempted to clear. Australia reviewed the decision unsuccessfully - the potential penalty was not awarded - before hitting the crossbar from the subsequent corner.
Trevor Morgan made the first changes of the game in the 54th minute. Joshua Inserra and Luka Jovanovic were introduced for Rhys Youlley and Tiago Quintal.
Louis Agosti replaced Alex Badolato twelve minutes later as Australia continued to chase the game.
Daniel Bennie got the goal the team was seeking in the 69th minute. Jaylan Pearman played a speculative ball forward into space. Barbi came out to defuse the situation, but missed the ball completely, allowing Bennie to get in behind and play the ball into an open net.
The game sprung to life. Argentina had a chance at one end before Overy was fouled in full flight just outside the penalty area. Jovanovic's dangerous free kick grazed the top of the crossbar.
Max Caputo was introduced with five minutes of regulation time remaining as Head Coach Trevor Morgan rolled the dice to try and find an equaliser. He replaced Jaylan Pearman.
Space inevitably opened up in behind as the Young Socceroos continued their pursuit of an equaliser. Substitute Ian Subiabre was able to capitalise, winning the game for Argentina deep in stoppage time after a turnover.
Santino Andino scored a goal of the tournament contender to extend Argentina's lead in the dying moments of the contest.
Attention now turns to the final group stage game against Cuba on Sunday morning (AEST).
Match summary
Australia U20: 1 (Daniel Bennie 69')
Argentina U20: 4 (9. Alejo Sarco 3', Tomas Perez 45', 11. Ian Subiabre 90+3', 19. Santino Andino 90+5')
Australia: 1. Steven Hall (GK), 2. Daniel Bennie, 3. Sebastian Esposito, 4. Panagiotis Kikianis, 6. Paul Okon-Engstler, 8. Alexander Badolato (20. Louis Agosti 66'), 10. Rhys Youlley (16. Joshua Inserra 54'), 11. Musa Toure, 14. Tiago Quintal (9. Luka Jovanovic 54'), 15. Jaylan Pearman (19. Max Caputo 86'), 21. James Overy
Unused substitutes: 12. Alex Robinson (GK), 18. Daniel Graskoski (GK), 5. Fabian Talladira, 7. Jonny Yull, 13. Lucas Herrington, 17. Liam Bonetig
Yellow cards: 21. James Overy (56')
Argentina: 1. Santino Barbi (GK), 2. Tobias Ramirez, 3. Julio Soler (6. Juan Villalba 85'), 4. Dylan Gorosito, 5. Milton Delgado, 7. Maher Carrizo (20. Gianluca Prestianni 81'), 8. Valentino Acuna (18. Tobias Andrada 81'), 9. Alejo Sarco (19. Santino Andino 90+1'), 10. Alvaro Montoro (11. Ian Subiabre 80'), 13. Valente Pierani, 15. Tomas Perez
Unused substitutes: 12. Alvaro Busso (GK), 21. Alain Gomez (GK), 16. Teo Pagano, 17. Mateo Silvetti
Yellow cards: 1. Santino Barbi (45+2'), 4. Dylan Gorosito (71')
