Morocco and Argentina Into U20 Semis, Haiti Leads CONCACAF

Morocco and Argentina advanced to the semifinals of the FIFA U20 World Cup in Chile while shock results and tight standings reshaped CONCACAF qualifying and senior international friendlies left Mexico with fresh questions about its World Cup preparation. The action across the week saw underage knockout drama in South America, a surprise run from Suriname in qualifying, Haiti consolidate its place atop Group C and Mexico suffer a heavy friendly defeat in the United States.

In Chile, Morocco continued an impressive tournament run by eliminating the United States in a quarterfinal tie, advancing to face France in the last four. Argentina defeated Mexico 2-0 to reach the semifinals, Maher Carrizo opening the scoring within the first 10 minutes and Mateo Silvetti adding a second after halftime. Colombia also progressed, beating Spain in a five-goal quarterfinal, and will meet Argentina in the other semifinal.

Earlier in the knockout phase Morocco had beaten South Korea in the round of 16, a match in which an early own goal and a second-half strike put the North Africans ahead before South Korea converted a late penalty. The U20 tournament has produced a number of surprise contenders...