Argentina suffer heavy defeat to Poland in Under-20 Women’s World Cup opener

Argentina began its sixth Under-20 Women’s World Cup campaign with a 3-0 defeat to host nation Poland in the opening match of Group A at Arena Katowice.

The result did not fully reflect Argentina’s first-half performance. Wearing dark blue, Christian Meloni’s side created enough chances to avoid going into halftime behind, but Poland made its opportunities count in a quick burst.

Lena Swirska sparked the opening goal in the 26th minute by carrying the ball 30 meters into the area. Argentina goalkeeper Priscila Siben blocked her shot, but Oliwia Zwiazek followed up on the rebound to score. Four minutes later, Swirska sent a tight corner from the right, and Argentina’s Annika Paz accidentally turned the ball into her own net.

Argentina came close through long-range efforts from Mercedes Diz and a Paz header. Poland defender Krystyna Flis diverted the header just centimeters from the goal line, before the ball struck the left post.

Argentina controlled possession and spent much of the second half in Poland’s half, but Poland stayed compact and protected goalkeeper Julia Wozniak. Meloni changed all three forwards midway through the half, but the substitutions did not change the match. Maja Zielinska added Poland’s third goal in stoppage time.

Argentina qualified after finishing third at the South American tournament in Paraguay in February. Its next Group A match is against first-time participant Benin on Tuesday at 10, followed by a meeting with Mexico on Friday.