Passlack of Germany rejoice, Argentines downcast

Germany compounded the woes of Argentina at the FIFA Under 17 World Cup in Chile, cruising to a comfortable 4-0 victory, their second victory and Argentina’s second loss.

Germany’s victory means they lead Group C from second-placed Mexico, who they face in their final group game on Saturday.

Argentina, after losing the opener against Mexico, 0-2,  sit bottom, with no points, meaning they are at the verge of going home even though they have a final group game against Australia on Saturday.

Three of Germany’s four goals came in a dominant first half performance by the European side with Vitaly Janelt, Johannes Eggestein and captain Felix Passlack all on the scoresheet, the skipper from the penalty spot, in the opening half. Substitute Niklas Schmidt sealed the win after the interval leave Argentina facing likely elimination from the tournament.
(Watch the goals here:
The opener came after the ball was worked down the German left. Passlack, who was outstanding for the second consecutive game, squared across the Argentinian box and the waiting Mats Kohlert deftly teed up Janelt for a stabbed left-footed finish.

The Germans were almost undone by a German, as Argentina’s No17 German Berterame strode forward through the Nationalmannschaft midfield, He slammed a venomous strike at goal and, with Constantin Frommann in the Germany goal well beaten, the effort thundered off the crossbar and over.

Before long, Germany doubled their lead after more good work from Passlack, this time down the German right. His cross found Eggestein who made no mistake for his third strike in two games.

In first half stoppage time, Niklas Dorsch’s through ball found Salih Ozcan in behind the Argentinian defence. The chasing Julian Ferreyra felled the advancing German midfielder and the referee pointed to the spot. Cool as you like, Passlack slotted home, sending Marcos Peano the wrong way.

Germany controlled the rather processional second half, and rubberstamped the victory with their fourth goal. Janelt turned provider, sliding in sub Schmidt and leaving the Werder Bremen forward one-on-one with Peano, sidefooting home with a clinical finish.

*Reported by FIFA.com