🧩 Possible Starting Lineups
🇦🇷 Argentina U20 (4-3-3)
GK: Santino Barbi
DEF: Juan Villalba, Julio Soler, Valente Pierani, Tobías Emanuel Ramírez Cardozo
MID: Milton Delgado, Tomás Pérez, Valentino Acuña
FWD: Alejo Sarco, Maher Carrizo, Ian Subiabre
🇨🇴 Colombia U20 (4-2-3-1)
GK: Alexei Rojas
DEF: Yeimar Mosquera, Simón García, Julian Bazán, Weimar Palacios
MID: Kener Gonzalez, Carlos Sarabia – Elkin Rivero, Jordan Barrera, Juan Arizala
FWD: Neyser Villareal
⚽ FIFA U20 World Cup 2025 Semifinal Preview
🇦🇷 Argentina U20 vs 🇨🇴 Colombia U20
The world turns its gaze to Santiago’s venerable Estadio Nacional Julio Martínez Prádanos as two South American powerhouses, Argentina U20 and Colombia U20, battle for a coveted place in the FIFA U20 World Cup 2025 Final.
More than just a semifinal, this clash represents a showcase of emerging talent, tactical ingenuity, and continental pride. Under the guidance of Diego Placente (Argentina) and César Torres (Colombia), both sides have blended youthful exuberance with mature discipline on their road to the last four.
🌟 Players to Watch
🇦🇷 Maher Carrizo (Argentina U20):
The heartbeat of Argentina’s attack. His sharp instincts and ruthless finishing have made him indispensable, often turning half-chances into match-defining goals.
🇨🇴 Neyser Villareal (Colombia U20):
A dynamic and unpredictable forward. His intelligent movement and ability to exploit defensive gaps have been pivotal to Colombia’s progress and will test Argentina’s back line throughout.
These two could easily decide the semifinal through moments of brilliance — or sheer willpower.
📊 By the Numbers
Form & Momentum:
Argentina come into the semifinal with a 100% win record in their last five matches, scoring 14 goals and conceding just 8. Colombia’s path has been steadier, if less dominant, featuring a 1–1 draw with Nigeria U20 and a 3–2 win over Spain U20 that showcased both resilience and vulnerability.
Possession & Precision:
Argentina’s 81% passing accuracy reflects a side comfortable dictating tempo and transitioning seamlessly from defense to attack. Colombia prefer structured buildup through midfield but occasionally struggle under intense pressing.
Discipline:
Both sides have kept their composure. Argentina have tallied 11 yellow cards and 1 red, while Colombia sit just behind with 10 yellows and no dismissals — evidence of measured aggression in crucial fixtures.
🔍 Tactical Snapshot
Argentina U20 – 4-3-3
Placente’s setup thrives on width and fluidity. The full-backs push high, while Carrizo leads quick, incisive counters. Their quarterfinal win over Mexico (2–0) displayed textbook control, and the earlier 4–0 rout of Nigeria showed the squad’s capacity for ruthless execution.
Colombia U20 – 4-2-3-1
Torres’ men lean on compact spacing and layered pressing. The midfield double pivot shields the defense, while Villareal and the attacking trio ahead of him look to exploit transitional chaos. Their success depends on whether they can resist Argentina’s high press and transition effectively.
Expect a midfield-centric duel — aggressive pressing, tactical fouls, and bursts of flair from creative outlets on both sides. Argentina’s superior ball circulation might tilt control, but Colombia’s counter-punching power makes them a persistent threat.
🧩 Prediction
A tense, high-quality semifinal awaits. Argentina’s cohesion, attacking variety, and experience in knockout settings give them the edge, but Colombia’s energy and flair ensure this will be no procession.
Likely scorers: Carrizo (Argentina), Villareal (Colombia)
Outcome: Argentina edge through to the final — but not without a serious test.
