Morocco marked a historic turning point in world football by winning the U20 World Cup this Monday at dawn. The Atlas Lion Cubs won brilliantly against Argentina (2-0) in a final controlled from start to finish, played at the Julio Martinez Pradanos National Stadium in Santiago (Chile).
A historic coronation for Morocco and the Arab world
Morocco thus becomes the first Arab country to win the U20 World Cup and the second African country to do so, after Ghana in 2009. This triumph also brings to nine the number of different winners over the last nine editions of the tournament, a strong sign of the rise in power of the new nations of world football.
The match quickly turned to the advantage of the Moroccans thanks to Yasser Zabiri, author of a decisive double. The young striker opened the scoring in the 12th minute with a sumptuous free kick, before doubling the lead in the 29th on a dazzling counter-attack initiated by Othmane Maâma, concluded with an unstoppable left-footed volley.
In the second half, Morocco locked down its defense with rigor and determination. Goalkeeper Ibrahim Gomez stood out in stoppage time by keeping away a dangerous header from Ian Subiabre, sealing the Moroccan triumph.
This setback is the second defeat in the final for Argentina, six-time world champion, after that conceded against Brazil in 1983.
