In the start of Group B of the U-20 World Cup in Argentina, the United States defeated Ecuador 1–0 at San Juan’s Bicentenario Stadium.
Midfielder Jonathan Gomez scored the agony goal with 47 minutes remaining in the game, after a development that looked like a tie.
¡GOOOOL!
⚽ Tras una buena jugada colectiva, Gómez la colgó del ángulo izquierdo de Napa, que llegó a rozar la pelota.
🎙️ @DanielNavasV – @RobertoBonafont – @posso_sports#U20WC #DIRECTVLA #DGO pic.twitter.com/okw3U11QFV
— DSports (@DSports) May 20, 2023
Action in the first half was dominated by the United States, with total possession, before Ecuador’s determination to appeal for direct play, skipping lines. So at the end of that period it was not surprising that the ownership percentage was 70 to 30 in favor of the Americans.
However, far from the myth that having the ball makes you better than your opponent, Ecuador had the clearest chances under the feet of Alan Minda and Justin Cuero.
, Photo Ruben Paratore
Supplementation showed some verticalism in the United States, which took up tenure more aggressively, though insufficient to break the South American lock.
Already with the entry of Darren Yappy into the North American team, a further lull was observed as his bickering over pace and imbalance increased one by one. So it came as no surprise that the dangerous passage happened in that final stretch and when everything seemed to go for naught, American joy lay at the feet of Gomez, who took a powerful shot.
The United States will continue their participation on Tuesday against the Fiji Islands at 3:00 p.m., while Ecuador will do the same against Slovakia from 6:00 p.m.
