Benin’s Amazons U20 side were beaten 8-0 by Argentina in the second group game of the U20 Women’s World Cup, suffering a heavy defeat against a well-organised and highly effective South American team.
The match quickly slipped beyond Benin’s control as Argentina’s attack produced a ruthless display. The result leaves Benin bottom of their group and gives them a major challenge to overcome as they continue their campaign.
Argentina took the lead in the 16th minute through Julia Vinhas, setting the tone for an evening in which the South American side made the most of their attacking opportunities. Benin were unable to find a response as Argentina continued to apply pressure and move the ball with purpose.
Mercedes Diz doubled the advantage in the 32nd minute before A. Paz struck in first-half injury time, scoring in the seventh minute added on. Argentina therefore went into the interval with a commanding 3-0 lead, while Benin faced the task of limiting further damage after the break.
That task proved impossible. Diz scored again three minutes into the second half to complete her double, and A. Paz added three more goals in a devastating spell. The player completed her quadruple with efforts in the 60th, 63rd and 66th minutes.
Benin’s problems were compounded in the 60th minute when L. Saizonou was penalised for a handball. The incident came during the same period in which A. Paz added to Argentina’s lead, underlining the extent of the pressure faced by the Beninese defence.
J. Aguilar completed Argentina’s emphatic victory in the 80th minute, bringing the final score to 8-0. The result represented a painful lesson in the demands of top-level international football for Benin’s young squad.
The defeat is a serious setback in the group standings, with Benin now occupying last place. It was a nightmare result from a points perspective, but the experience also provides valuable exposure for the Amazons U20 players at the highest level of the women’s game.
Benin will need to recover quickly, assess the reasons for the heavy loss and draw the necessary lessons from the performance as the competition continues. Although Argentina’s organisation and attacking quality proved too much on this occasion, the match offers the young Beninese group an opportunity to learn from a difficult examination and respond in their remaining fixtures.