Argentina U-17 National Team Coach Remains Proud Even Though Squad Steps Stop In The 2023 U-17 World Cup Semifinals

JAKARTA - Argentina U-17's progress was stopped in the semifinals of the FIFA U-17 World Cup after being defeated by Germany U-17 in a penalty shootout.

Even though they failed to reach the final, Diego Placente as the Tango Team coach was still proud of the performance of his team.

"After this physically demanding match, I am very proud of the players under my guidance."

"I can say congratulations to my team because they have given their best. I feel proud of what they have done," said Diego Placente in a statement on Wednesday, November 29, 2023.

The semifinal round of the FIFA U-17 World Cup between Argentina U-17 and Germany U-17 was held at the Manahan Stadium, Solo, on Tuesday, November 28 2023. The match was interesting.

Albiceleste and Der Panzer traded attacks until the match ended in a 3-3 draw in normal time.

This situation then forced the match to be extended with a penalty shootout which ended 4-2 in favor of Germany U-17.

Placente admitted that the FIFA U-17 World Cup semifinal match against Germany U-17 was a difficult match and physically drained his squad.

“This match was very difficult. We actually played very well. "We experienced several situations that could have resulted in goals, but unfortunately it didn't happen," said Placente.

“This duel was also very physically draining. However, after normal time ended, the result was a draw. A penalty shootout must be held. "As we know, penalties are a matter of chance," he said.

Placente further realized that his students had to face obstacles one by one that were becoming increasingly difficult every day.

The further you go, especially until the semifinals of the FIFA U-17 World Cup, the tougher the opponents you meet.

“We know the game will be more intense at this level. We didn't score and the game became difficult. "I think both teams played very well with their respective styles," he said.

“They (Germany U-17) counterattacked and we tried to control the ball. Because they present a tough physical challenge, we made changes to the cast. "The players can control the ball and follow the rhythm," said Placente.

This result meant that Argentina U-17 failed to make history by qualifying for the final for the first time during their participation in the FIFA U-17 World Cup.

Their best achievement in this championship was finishing third in the 1991, 1995 and 2003 editions.

Next, in the match for third place in the FIFA U-17 World Cup, Argentina U-17 will face Mali U-17. The match will be played at Manahan Stadium, Solo, on Friday, December 1, 2023.