Bernd Gschweidl of Austria and Leonardo Rolon of Argentina compete for the ball in their 0-0 U-20 FIFA World Cup draw this afternoon. Photo / Getty Images
Bernd Gschweidl of Austria and Leonardo Rolon of Argentina compete for the ball in their 0-0 U-20 FIFA World Cup draw this afternoon. Photo / Getty Images
Argentina arrived in New Zealand as the favourites to win the Fifa Under-20 World Cup but they look likely to be knocked out in the group stages.
Their dour 0-all draw with Austria in Wellington today has put them in a terrible position following a 2-2 draw with Panama lastSaturday and a 3-2 loss to Ghana earlier in the week.
They had their opportunities against Austria, who seemed more than content to sit back and defend, but they were unable to find a way past Austrian goalkeeper Tino Casali.
The 1.92m custodian was immense throughout the game as he made a number of smart saves. The 19-year-old plays his club football for Austria Vienna.
As the game wore on, Austria sat deeper on defence and the second spell was largely an exercise in Argentina trying to find a goal but it wasn't forthcoming.
Austria have finished the pool stage with five points and claimed second behind Ghana in Group B.
Argentina have only two points and that could be enough to see them move through to the round of 16 as one of the four best third-placed teams but it would require a handful of other results to fall their way. Panama finished last with one point.
When the final whistle blew the Austrians raised their hands in the air and celebrated, while disappointment washed through the Argentinian side.
