MercoPress. South Atlantic News Agency

FIFA World Youth Championships: US upset Argentina

The United States pulled off a major upset at the World Youth Championship, downing tournament favourites Argentina 1-0 in the opening Group D match. Chile crushed Honduras 7-0.

The call Lionel Messi the 'new Maradona' and the 17 year old 'wonder kid' did enough in the 2nd half of this game to show that he could well follow in the footsteps of the great Argentine idol.

Messi, who is now on the books of the Spanish giants Barcelona, was inexplicably left off the starting line-up. With the team losing 1-0 at half-time, coach Francisco Ferraro had little option other than to bring Messi on at the start of the second half. The 17 year old immediately made an impact, collecting the ball in midfield he ran past 4 American players before hitting the ball just over the top of the goal. Within a few minutes had again mesmerised the Americans with another brilliant run across field, but this time his final pass to Pablo Vitti was inaccurate and the Rosario Central youngster was unable to collect the ball.

Midway through the half Messi rolled the ball under his foot while turning, leaving 2 American players staring at each other. However his final pas was once again intercepted by an American defender.

It was obvious that Messi will soon break into the Argentina National team, and most Argentine journalists attending the game in the Dutch eastern city of Enschede were surprised by coach Ferraro's explanation for leaving Messi on the bench in the 1st half. "He does not fit into our system" was his astonishing statement.

Messi should have equalised 5 minutes from the end, for a disappointing Argentine side, but headed the ball straight into the arms of a grateful USA goalkeeper Quentin Westberg. The youngster held his head in his hands, after missing what looked a relatively easy chance.

The United States had gone ahead in the 38th minute, after defender Marvell Wynne broke free down the right, and his cross was met by the head of 20 year Chad Barrett, who plays for the Chicago Fire team. His header bounced past Argentine goalkeeper Oscar Ustari, giving the Independiente player no chance of saving.

Earlier 20 year old Gustavo Oberman of Argentinos Juniors had unluckily hit the base of the post, when put clear by capatain Zabaleta.

Another 'wonder kid', 16 year old Freddy Adu, who is wanted by many top European teams, including Manchester United, should have made the game safe for the USA in the 70th minute. Adu, who showed moments of individual brilliance, was alleged by referee Hauge of Norway, to have been fouled in the penalty area by Gabriel Paletta of Banfield. Despite Argentine protests, the penalty stood, but Adu casually side-footed the ball against the post.

Argentina's passing was poor and too often the final ball went astray. Chances fell late in the game to Oberman and Vitti, but both players hit the ball high and wide, when well placed to grab an equaliser, which the desperate Argentine team strived to achieve.

Argentine coach Ferraro admitted that his team had 'played really badly' and that they will have to improve if they wish to progress in a tournement which they have won 4 times previously.

They should take all 3 points on Tuesday when they play the group outsiders Egypt. Their final group game is against the strong German team, who beat the Egyptians 2-0, also in Enschede.

Special correspondent - ENSCHEDE, Netherlands