U.S. ousts Italy to reach U20 World Cup quarters
The United States reached a fifth consecutive quarterfinal of the FIFA men’s Under-20 World Cup after defeating Italy 3-0 in Rancagua, Chile, on Thursday.
Captain Benjamin Cremaschi scored twice, either side of Niko Tsakiris‘ curling free kick, as the U.S. ran out comfortable winners.
The U.S. will now face either Morocco or South Korea, who meet later on Thursday, in the quarterfinals on Sunday.
Marko Mitrović’s young U.S. side came into the round of 16 in form after topping its group and in the process breaking the team record for most goals scored in a group stage with 13.
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The bulk of those came in a 9-1 win over New Caledonia, but there was also an impressive 3-0 win over France before, having already qualified, the U.S. lost its final group game to South Africa.
Italy, in contrast, finished second behind Argentina after taking four points in the group stage.
And the U.S. didn’t take long to get the upper-hand on Thursday. Cremaschi, currently on loan at Italian Serie A side Parma from Inter Miami, continued his fine form this World Cup when he reacted quickest to fire home the rebound after Nolan Norris had his header from a corner saved.
The U.S. almost had a second goal before halftime when Borussia Dortmund forward Cole Campbell burst into the box but put his shot wide.
The second goal did arrive 11 minutes from the end of the 90. San Jose Earthquakes midfielder Tsakiris sent a left-footed shot curling around the Italian wall and through the despairing dive of goalkeeper Jacopo Seghetti.
Italy had two appeals for penalties denied after the referee was asked to go to the monitor for a review.
That was to be the last hope for Italy. Cremaschi put the result beyond any doubt as he ran through onto a pass from Luke Brennan and finished coolly for his fifth goal of the competition.