Uruguay becomes U-20 World Champion

Uruguay was crowned this Sunday as the new U-20 world champion after defeating Italy 1-0 in the final, with a goal from Luciano Rodríguez four minutes before the end of the match.

The third time's the charm: After losing in the final of Malaysia 1997 and Turkey 2013, the Celeste won a game in which they dominated from start to finish and took the title in front of more than 30,000 compatriots who came to Diego Armando Maradona Stadium.

By boat, by plane, and by car, thousands crossed the Río de la Plata to be part of the celebration.

And when everyone was singing non-stop in each of the stands, Rodríguez took advantage of a confusing play inside the box to push the ball and score the goal that crowned Marcelo Broli's team.

Uruguay dominated the first half from start to finish. High pressure, playing through the wings, and good ball control in the midfield allowed the Celeste to take control of the initial 45 minutes.

Italy couldn't display their football and often interrupted the game with fouls. In fact, in the first half they had ten fouls against five from the South Americans.

Luciano Rodríguez was the standout player and the one who hit the ground the most. Number 19 returned after serving a two-match suspension and troubled Gabriele Guarino, who was the first one to receive a yellow card, in every play.

Marking and assisting from the midfield, Fabricio Díaz also stood out in a team that once again showed a very solid defense led by Sebastián Boselli.

Two shots from the captain brought the Celeste closer to Sebastian Desplanches' goal, who at 22 minutes made an impressive save against a header from Anderson Duarte.

Youthful Simone Pafundi created the two clearest opportunities, although neither of them troubled goalkeeper Randall Rodríguez, who conceded goals in only one of the seven matches.

The second half started the same way the first one ended: with Uruguay creating the clearest chances and Italy far from the opponent's goal. At the 30-minute mark of the second half, the Celeste had generated 12 goal-scoring opportunities compared to only one from their rival.

However, in the final minutes, the Celeste lost power and Italy launched an attack with midfielder Tommaso Baldanzi leading the way.

But with a few minutes left, after a confusing play inside the box, Rodríguez pushed the ball past the opposing goalkeeper and unleashed the joy of three million people.

Uruguay took the field to win from the first minute, played the final as it should, and became U-20 world champion for the first time in its history. Another trophy for an enviable showcase.