Argentina thrash Benin 8-0 in ruthless U-20 Women’s World Cup display

Argentina produced a devastating attacking performance to beat Benin 8-0 in the second group-stage match of the U-20 Women’s World Cup, leaving the Beninese side at the bottom of their group.

The result was a painful lesson in the demands of elite international football for Benin’s Amazones U20. Argentina were organised, sharp and clinical throughout, taking control of the match early and never allowing their opponents a route back into the contest.

Julia Vinhas opened the scoring in the 16th minute, giving Argentina an early advantage and setting the tone for an emphatic victory. Benin struggled to contain their opponents’ attacking threat as the South Americans continued to create pressure in the final third.

Mercedes Diz doubled Argentina’s lead in the 32nd minute before A. Paz struck in first-half stoppage time, scoring in the seventh minute added on. That goal saw Argentina take a commanding lead into the break and left Benin facing an increasingly difficult second half.

Diz scored again three minutes after the restart to complete her double. A. Paz then took centre stage, adding three more goals in a six-minute spell between the 60th and 66th minutes to complete a remarkable four-goal haul.

The match also became more complicated for Benin in the 60th minute when L. Saizonou was sanctioned for a handball. Argentina continued to press their advantage, with J. Aguilar completing the scoring in the 80th minute.

Argentina’s eight goals came from six separate scoring moments, with Vinhas and Aguilar finding the net once, Diz scoring twice and A. Paz contributing four goals. The scale of the defeat meant that Benin were unable to build on their campaign and dropped to last place in the group.

For the young Beninese squad, the scoreline represented a severe setback in the standings. It was also a demanding introduction to the intensity and precision required at the highest level of women’s youth international football.

Despite the result, the match offers valuable experience for the Amazones U20. Their challenge now is to recover quickly, assess the lessons from a difficult evening and respond in the remainder of the competition. Argentina, meanwhile, showed the quality of a side capable of converting its attacking opportunities with ruthless efficiency.

The 8-0 scoreline was a nightmare for Benin from a points perspective, but the experience could prove important for a developing group facing one of the toughest stages in international youth football.