FIFA U-20 World Cup: Argentina 1 - 0 Mexico

Argentina was able to comfortably hold off a dogged Mexican team after scoring almost on the stroke of halftime. A deflected Maxi Moralez strike from the top of the penalty area wrong-footed the keeper and stood up as the game winning goal.

Mexico pushed hard for most of the first half and slightly edged their opponents in the tightly contested midfield. But Gio Dos Santos, the prolific Mexican striker, was unable to break free of tight marking by Fazio and Mercado in the heart of the Argentine defence.

Once they were a goal down, Mexico added an attacking player early in the second half, but even with three up front, chances were few and far between. Once again, Argentina looked the most composed and competent side in the tournament.

Argentina was content to sit back and stymie the Mexican attack, leading to some dry football, but this largely failed to dampen the spirits of the crowd.

Mexico, going into the match, looked to be a side that could challenge for honours at the tournament. It is truly to Argentina's credit that they made the match look rather easy.

I was fortunate enough to be in the stands for this quarter-final match between these two Latin American powerhouses. Frank Clair stadium here in Ottawa was packed to its 26,500 capacity and both the Argentine and Mexican fans were in full voice.

The stadium proved to be an excellent venue for football, with the stands close to the touchlines and partially covered, amplifying the noise of the crowd. It's a shame that there's no permanent resident for the old ground by the Rideau.