Football: Argentina win, Brazil draw

MEDELLIN: Argentina got off to a winning start on the opening day of the under-20 World Cup but old rival Brazil had to settle for a 1-1 draw against a quick and spirited Egypt. Erik Lamela’s second-half goal lifted Argentina to a 1-0 victory over Mexico in Group F. Lamela, who is headed to Italian club Roma from River Plate, broke from midfield in the 71st minute and blasted a 20-meter shot inside the far post, beyond Mexico goalkeeper Carlos Lopez. Brazil took the lead in their Group E opener but Egypt equalised and spurned good opportunities to score a surprise goal.

Published in The Express Tribune, July 31^st, 2011.