Benin face uphill battle after Argentina’s first-half onslaught at U20 World Cup

Benin endured a nightmare first half against Argentina in their second Group A match at the Coupe du Monde Feminine U20, going into the interval 3-0 down after a dominant performance from the South American side.

The Amazones U20 were under pressure from the opening stages and struggled to establish any control over the match. Argentina dictated the tempo early on, while Benin were unable to impose their own rhythm or create a response to their opponents’ attacking pressure.

Argentina’s superiority was rewarded in the 16th minute when Julia Vinhas broke the deadlock. The goal reflected Benin’s difficult start, with the team unable to prevent Argentina from taking advantage of their early dominance.

The deficit increased shortly after the half-hour mark. Mercedes Dis capitalised on defensive weaknesses from Benin in the 32nd minute to score Argentina’s second goal. That strike gave the South Americans a two-goal cushion and strengthened their control of the contest.

Benin were unable to find a way back before the break. In first-half stoppage time, listed as 45+2 minutes, Paz added Argentina’s third goal and left the Amazones U20 facing a significant challenge for the remainder of the match.

The scoreline meant Benin returned to the dressing room needing to overturn a three-goal deficit. Argentina, meanwhile, had established a commanding position after a first half in which they had taken full advantage of Benin’s defensive shortcomings.

Benin’s attacking play was particularly disappointing during the opening 45 minutes. Romaine Gandonou and her team-mates failed to trouble Argentina and remained without a goal as the South Americans maintained their defensive control.

The result at half-time left Benin with little room for error in the second period. They needed a strong reaction and a completely different performance after the break if they were to change the direction of the match.

Argentina’s three goals had come at different stages of the half: Vinhas opened the scoring in the 16th minute, Dis doubled the advantage in the 32nd, and Paz struck again in added time. That sequence underlined the extent of Benin’s problems, as they could not contain Argentina at the start of the match, after the half-hour mark or immediately before the interval.

For the Amazones U20, the priority in the second half was to show greater resilience, improve their attacking output and prevent Argentina from extending an already substantial lead. Their first-half display had left them trailing heavily in Group A, with the South American side firmly in command at the break.