Argentina clip Mexico 1-0

MEDELLIN, Colombia (AP):

Erik Lamela's second-half goal lifted Argentina to a 1-0 victory over Mexico yesterday on the opening day of the Under-20 World Cup.  Lamela, who is headed to Italian club Roma from River Plate, broke from midfield in the 71st minute and blasted a 20-metre shot inside the far post, beyond Mexico goalkeeper Carlos Lopez.

The victory gave Argentina three points in Group F. England and North Korea drew 0-0 earlier yesterday and each have one. Mexico are bottom of the group without a point. Mexico next face North Korea and England play Argentina.

Lamela broke through after threatening several times in the first half, and his goal followed good chances for teammate Juan Iturbe, who shot just wide from 20 metres in the 65th, and narrowly missed again four minutes later.

Attempt ruled offside

Mexico seemed to have scored in the 48th minute when Alan Pulido chipped the ball past keeper Esteban Andrada, but the play was correctly ruled offside.

Argentine football could use a lift after the senior team was knocked out of the Copa America in the quarter-finals earlier this month, which led to the firing of coach Sergio Batista.

Under-20 coach Walter Perazzo has acknowledged his job may also be on the line if Argentina do not make the semi-finals.

Mexican football is having a great year. The senior team won the Gold Cup, defeating the United States 4-2 in the final. Mexico also won the Under-17 World Cup, beating Uruguay in the final 2-0.