After the “draw match” of Brazil and Mexico, the last match of 29 September 2025 occurred, which was also a thrilling, entertaining, and relaxing + learning points match for both teams (Argentina and Cuba).
Setting the Scene: Stakes & Context
Argentina arrived at Chile 2025 with high expectations. As one of the guardians of footballing tradition, they rarely enter a U-20 World Cup without ambitions of going deep. Their youth system has produced world-class stars over decades, and typically, their U-20 sides are aggressive, technically sharp, and tactically flexible.
Cuba, by contrast, is not a regular contender in the deepest rounds of FIFA’s youth tournaments. Their presence in the group stage is significant in itself, and though expectations of winning the tournament are modest, they have opportunities to surprise. For Cuba, this match represented a chance to show progress, raise their level of play, and perhaps earn respect, even if not advancing far.
They were drawn into a challenging Group D alongside Argentina, Italy, and Australia, meaning strong performances were needed just to stay in contention. For Argentina, beginning with a strong result would both consolidate confidence and send a message to the rest of the group. For Cuba, even a resilient display could serve to build momentum and national pride.
The Match Unfolds: Key Moments & Flow
Early Advantage to Argentina
Argentina wasted no time maintaining itself. Just 3 minutes into the match, they struck first. A slick move down the wing: Santino Andino found Maher Carrizo, who drove into the box and delivered a low cross to Alejo Sarco, who made no mistake from close range. The opener put Argentina in control early, both psychologically and tactically.
From then on, Argentina looked confident. Possession, movement, and probing attacks defined their style. Cuba, understandably, were cautious, seeking to absorb pressure and perhaps hit Argentina on counters or set-pieces.
Argentina Extend the Lead
The second goal came in the 41st minute. Again, Sarco was central. A cross from Dylan Gorosito found Sarco’s head, burying it to make it 2-0. It was coming: this lead rewarded Argentina’s dominance in attack and left Cuba with an uphill battle going into the break.
Cuba’s Lifeline Just Before Half-Time
However, Cuba did grab some life back just before the half. In stoppage time of the first half (45′ +4) Karel PĂ©rez scored, converting a cross (or corner-based) opportunity to make it 2-1. That goal mattered—not just on the board, but psychologically. It gave Cuba hope and prevented the game from being too one-sided as the teams headed into the break.
Argentina Hold On and Seal the Win
In the second half, Argentina had to manage both Cuba’s attempts to push forward and the fact that sometimes Cuba’s defensive work forced Argentina into longer possessions and less direct attacks. Nevertheless, Argentina stayed largely in control.
Late in the game, in the 90th minute, Ian Subiabre came off the bench and scored what would become the third goal for Argentina, sealing a 3-1 victory.
Other moments worth noting:
- A controversial moment occurred around 10 minutes when Santiago Fernández committed a foul, providing the potential for a penalty for Cuba; the referee gave a red card to Fernández, but after a green card challenge and VAR review, the penalty was overturned, even though Fernández stayed off (red card) or vice versa; this added drama and disturbed Cuba’s momentum.
- Substitutions played a key role: Argentina brought in Ian Subiabre, Mateo Silvetti, TobĂas Andrada to inject energy and see off Cuban pushbacks.
Tactical Analysis
Argentina’s Strategy: Efficiency, Depth, and Control
Argentina showcased several traits we expect from their youth teams:
- Fast start & psychological dominance – Scoring so early shifts momentum. Cuba was put on back foot immediately and forced to react rather than impose their own game.
- Width and crossing – Many of Argentina’s chances and goals came from wing play or crosses. The assist to Sarco’s header was one such example. This shows good preparation to exploit Cuba’s defensive structure in wide areas.
- Use of substitutes – Argentina didn’t relent, even when leading. They had depth and managed game phases (pressing, containment, finishing) well. In particular, Subiabre’s late goal is evidence of freshness and keeping intensity until the end.
- Defensive resilience – While Cuba did score and create some chances, Argentina generally limited clear scoring opportunities. The pressure from Cuba after their goal was somewhat contained. Plus, overturning a penalty via VAR (while still giving a red card) shows discipline and good game management in crucial moments.
Cuba’s Approach: Grit, Opportunity & Limitations
Cuba’s game showed admirable moments, but structural and tactical limitations were exposed in several ways:
- Defensive setup under pressure – Cuba had to spend much of the early game defending. The first goal so early disrupted their plan, forcing them to chase. When possession shifted, they were vulnerable to Argentina’s crosses and quick transitions.
- Set-piece effectiveness – Their goal came from a set-piece or cross, which emphasizes that when structured properly, Cuba can trouble opponents. But they could not sustain that pressure or replicate that quality in other phases.
- Fitness / depth – As the match wore on, Cuba struggled to keep up with Argentina’s tempo and substitutions. Argentina’s depth allowed them fresh legs, more dynamic attacking options, and better closing out of phases.
- Psychological resiliency – Scoring before half-time was important, but Argentina had already built a solid platform. Cuba needed something more (perhaps a second goal) early in the second half to swing momentum, but it never came.
Player Spotlights
Alejo Sarco (Argentina)
A standout. Two goals, one right at the beginning and another just before half-time. The second via a header reflects good aerial awareness and direct attacking instincts. Sarco’s performance showed that he can be a predatory striker at this level: sharp in the box, good runs into spaces, and finishing ability.
After the match, he commented that it was crucial to start with a win, and that despite being a man down for a period, the team handled the match well.
Ian Subiabre (Argentina)
Came off the bench to seal the game with the 90th-minute strike. That demonstrates not just depth but also readiness: staying alert, taking the chance when given, and finishing well under pressure.
Karel PĂ©rez (Cuba)
His goal just before the half was vital. It shows that when given chances — especially from set pieces or deliveries into the box — Cuba can produce dangerous moments. It was also a reward for staying in the game and striving despite Argentina’s dominance.
Other Cuban players deserve credit for defensive work and resisting waves of Argentina attacks, though ultimately their lapses cost them.
What the Stats Tell Us
From available stats:
- Possession: Argentina ~58.5%, Cuba ~41.5%. This illustrates that Argentina controlled much of the tempo.
- Shots on goal / Attempts: Argentina had more shots (on target and overall); Cuba fewer. Argentina’s ability to convert and get good chances was higher.
- Corners, yellow cards, discipline: Some physicality from Cuba, but also Argentina seemed composed. The red card incident and VAR situation added tension.
These numbers support what was seen in play: Argentina’s dominance mixed with occasional Cuban resistance.
Implications & What This Means Going Forward
For Argentina
- Strong start: A 3-1 win in opening games is precisely what you want. It gives both points and moral advantage.
- Depth & team building: The use of substitutes who deliver demonstrates squad strength. For tournaments like this, not only the starting XI matters — the entire squad’s readiness is key.
- Testing pressure situations: Being down a man (or at least facing moments of disadvantage) and still keeping control shows mental maturity.
- More to do: While this was a win, the fact that Cuba scored and enjoyed moments suggests vulnerabilities. Against stiffer opposition (Italy, Australia) Argentina will need to sharpen both defense and transition phases.
For Cuba
- Valuable experience: Matches like this are gold for young players: high-pressure games, because they test limits.
- Pluses to build on: Scoring, resisting, set-piece potential, and occasional flashes of organization. These are foundations to improve.
- Areas to work: Defensive organization especially in the air, capacity to handle early pressure, ability to control midfield under duress, thesense to build more sustained attacking spells rather than reactive or fragmented sequences.
For the Group & the Tournament
- Argentina likely set up a favorable path in Group D with this win. It puts pressure on Italy and Australia to respond.
- Cuba, while the underdog, could still aim for a point(s) in their remaining group matches; depending on results, best third-place qualification is sometimes a route in U-20 tournaments — though for that, they’d need better, more consistent performances.
- For Brazil, Mexico, Spain, Italy etc. watching these kinds of matches provides insight into how quickly teams are developing. Argentina’s style, if sustained, could make them one of the favorites.