Morocco secure knockout place at U-20 World Cup

Morocco and Argentina became the first sides to book their places in the knockout stage of the FIFA U-20 World Cup after recording commanding victories on matchday two.

The Young Atlas Lions stunned Brazil 2-1, while Argentina eased past Australia 4-1 to maintain their perfect starts.

Morocco’s triumph came at the Estadio Nacional Julio Martínez Prádanos, where Othmane Maamma broke the deadlock in the 60th minute with an acrobatic finish inside the area.

Yassir Zabiri doubled the advantage 16 minutes later, capitalising on poor Brazilian defending.

Brazil salvaged a late consolation in stoppage time through Iago Teodoro’s penalty, but it was not enough to avoid a second straight setback.

Morocco now top Group C with two wins and are four points clear of Mexico, sealing their progression to the round of 16.

Argentina also impressed, brushing aside Australia in Group D.

Alejo Sarco and Tomás Pérez put Los Pibes two goals up by halftime before Daniel Bennie briefly offered the Australians hope in the 69th minute.

However, late strikes from Ian Subiabre and Santino Andino in stoppage time underlined Argentina’s dominance and confirmed their place in the last 16.

Elsewhere, Spain and Mexico remain winless after sharing a 2-2 draw in Ñuñoa.

Gilberto Mora scored twice for Mexico, cancelling out efforts from Pablo Garcia and Iker Bravo, the latter converting a penalty.

Italy endured similar frustration, letting a two-goal advantage slip in Valparaíso against Cuba.

Andrea Natal and Jamal Iddrissou had Gli Azzurrini in control, but Iddrissou’s red card on the stroke of halftime shifted momentum.

Michael Camejo held his nerve from the spot twice in the second half to rescue a point for the Cubans.

Later fixtures will see the USA face France in Group E, while Colombia meet Norway in Group F.

African contenders South Africa and Nigeria are also in action against New Caledonia and Saudi Arabia respectively.