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OTTAWA — Defending under-20 World Cup champion Argentina struck for a miraculous four goals in a seven-minute stretch on the way to a convincing 6-0 win over a helpless Panama and their 16-year-old shell-shocked goalkeeper Luis Mejia in yesterday's second Group E match in Ottawa.
"We tried not to let the loss completely shatter the confidence of our goalkeeper," said Panama coach Julio Dely. "We told him not to get down on himself and that we still have one more match remaining and could still qualify for the elimination round."
The young Albicelestes moved into first place in the group ahead of Friday's final matches thanks to a first-half twine-bulging frenzy that began in the 20th minute when Maximiliano Moralez opened the scoring after a pass from Atletico Madrid striker Sergio Aguero.
Just three minutes later Argentina struck again when midfielder Ever Banega found Matias Cahais in the box who crossed to Mauro Zarate, who made no mistake.
Argentina's Ever Banega, top, jumps on his teammates as they celebrate Maximiliano Moralez's goal against Panama. (Chris Wattie/Reuters)
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Panama barely had a chance to collect their thoughts before the five-time U20 Champions struck for goal number three in the 25th minute when Aguero found himself alone in front of goal and burried the ball in the back of the net.
Moralez scored his second goal to complete the first-half goal rush after a pass from Aguero in the 27th minute.
"We should be proud of our performance tonight and we should be proud of it but we also wanted to congratulate Panama because they played an honest game and never engaged in dirty tactics or foul play," said Argentina coach Hugo Tocalli.
While rowdy pockets of Argentina fans celebrated, stomped their feet and beat their drums and shook the north grandstand of Frank Clair Stadium, a frustrated Mejia raised his hands skyward at his defenders who appeared helpless throughout the onslaught.
Argentina then added to the tally in the 62nd minute when Aguero scored his second goal of the match, converting a cross from substitute striker Angel Di Maria, who then capped off the scoring in the 77th minute on a pass from Aguero.
Argentina goalkeeper Sergio Romero earned his second consecutive shutout and was only tested on a couple of occasions by Panama's main weapon on attack, Gabriel Torres.
