Last update August 1, 2024 by colgadosporelfutbol
The world sub 20 of 1979, celebrated in Japan between the 25 August and 7 September of that year, marked a historic moment for Argentine football. In this second edition of the tournament, Argentina was crowned champion by defeating the Soviet Union by 3-1 in the end, consolidating its position in the field of youth football. And it was the first great success and the first international showcase of such a Diego Armando Maradona. Who was the best footballer of the tournament.
The sub World Cup 20 of 1979: The birth of Maradona's star
The tournament featured 16 teams (among which was Spain) They were divided into four groups of four teams each.. In the first phase, The teams competed in a round-robin format, qualifying the best two from each group to the quarterfinals. At this stage, The teams faced each other in a direct elimination format until reaching the final.
The participating teams qualified through tournaments organized by each of the six confederations. Japan, as host country, had its place secured. Iraq and South Korea qualified for the AFC Youth Championship 1978, although Indonesia eventually replaced Iraq.
In Africa, Algeria and Guinea reached the final of the African Youth Championship 1979, ensuring your participation. Mexico and Canada qualified for the CONCACAF U-20 Tournament 1978. In South America, Uruguay was crowned champion of the South American U-20 Championship 1979, accompanied by two other teams. Europe was represented by six teams that stood out in the European Under-18 Championship 1978, with Belgium as champion.
In the first phase, there were no big surprises, except for Algeria's classification over Mexico in Group A. In the second phase, the predominant South American and European teams reached the semifinals: Argentina, Uruguay, Poland and the Soviet Union.
Argentina and the Soviet Union advanced to the final, where Argentina triumphed with a score of 3-1. In the third place match, Uruguay beat Poland on penalties after tying 1-1 in extra time.
Argentina's Road to the Title
The Argentine team, directed by César Luis Menotti and coordinated by Ernesto Duchini, showed absolute dominance during the tournament. Football-led by Diego Maradona, The Argentine team dazzled with its play and effectiveness. Argentina scored 20 goals and only received two against, winning all their matches.
The Argentine team, directed by César Luis Menotti and coordinated by Ernesto Duchini, showed absolute dominance during the tournament. Football-led by Diego Maradona, The Argentine team dazzled with its play and effectiveness. Argentina scored 20 goals and only received two against, winning all their matches. Ramón Díaz was the top scorer of the tournament with eight points, forming a lethal duo with Maradona who was the Ballon d'Or of the tournament.
In the group stage, Argentina won 5-0 a Indonesia, 1-0 a Yugoslavia y 4-1 and Poland. In the quarterfinals, defeated 5-0 to Algeria and in the semifinals he won 2-0 to uruguay. In the end, with goals from Hugo Alves, Ramón Díaz and Diego Maradona, Argentina surpassed the Soviet Union 3-1.
The figure of Ernesto Duchini
Ernesto Duchini, key figure in the development of young talents, He was instrumental in the formation of the champion team. Working with the AFA since 1954, Duchini helped discover and train numerous outstanding footballers. His humility and teaching spirit left an indelible mark on Argentine football..
The Argentine team was made up of the following players:
- Archers: Sergio Garcia (Flanders), Rafael Seria (Central Córdoba)
- defenders: Juan Simon (Newell’s), Hugo Alves (Boca), Abelardo Carabelli (Argentines), Ruben Rossi (Colón), Jorge Piaggio (Atlanta), Marcelo Bachino (Boca)
- Midfielders: Daniel Sperandio (Central), Juan Barbas (Racing), Diego Maradona (Argentines), Osvaldo Rinaldi (San Lorenzo), Juan José Meza (Central Córdoba Tucumán)
- strikers: Osvaldo Escudero (Chacarita), Ramon Diaz (River), Gabriel Calderon (Racing), Alfredo Torres (Atlanta), Jose Lanao (Vélez)
