U20 World Cup: Argentina beat Guatemala 3-0 and advance to last 16

Argentina bagged a 3-0 win over Guatemala in Santiago del Estero on Tuesday to book their place in the last 16 of the FIFA Under-20 World Cup on home soil.

The victory leaves the Guatemalans with zero points after two matches, on the verge of elimination. 

A perfect header from Alejo Véliz after 17 minutes, a cross-cum-shot from Lazio's Luka Romero in the 65th minute and a final strike from Maximo Perrone, eight minutes into stoppage time, secured a triumph for the hosts, who were in fine form in front of a boisterous home crowd. 

Coach Javier Mascherano's men went from strength to strength during the match and hit Guatemala at just the right time. Their opponents put up a fight, but lacked the quality to spring a surprise.

The win puts Argentina out clear as the sole leaders of Group A with six points. They face one final group game against New Zealand, who drew 2-2 with Uzbekistan to now sit in second place with four points, three points clear of their opponents on Tuesday.

Guatemala are on no points and will be hoping for a miracle against Uzbekistan. The chances of the side qualifying for the second round is remote, but they could still progress as one of the four best third-placed teams from the group stage.

– TIMES/AFP