The United States’ promising U-20 World Cup run ended in a 3-1 quarter-final defeat to Morocco on Sunday in Rancagua, Chile, marking the fifth consecutive tournament the Americans have been eliminated at this stage.
Despite commanding 73 percent of the possession, the U.S. struggled to translate its midfield control into clear scoring chances, managing only three shots on target. Ultimately, costly defensive errors proved to be their undoing.
Earlier victories over France and Italy had showcased the team’s potential and fueled hopes of reaching the semi-finals for the first time since 1989. Instead, it is Morocco whose disciplined defense and clinical attack earned them a semi-final matchup against the winner of France versus Norway. The other semi-final will be an all-South American clash between Argentina and Colombia.
The U.S. started the match confidently, controlling the tempo, but their best early effort came when a Zavier Gozo cross fortuitously struck the crossbar. Against the run of play, Morocco took the lead in the 31st minute when Saad El Haddad created space and delivered a deep cross that Othmane Maamma kept alive, setting up Fouad Zahouani for the opening goal.
The Americans responded well, finding an equalizer in first-half stoppage time. Nolan Norris drew a penalty after being fouled by Ali Maamar, and Cole Campbell converted the spot-kick, tucking it just past the outstretched hand of goalkeeper Yanis Benchaouch.
The game’s pattern continued after the break, but Morocco retook the lead in the 67th minute. The U.S. defense failed to clear a long throw-in, and the ball deflected off an unfortunate Joshua Wynder for an own goal.
Now playing with urgency, the Americans pressed for an equalizer. Francis Westfield came close with a diving header, and Luke Brennan spurned a golden opportunity when he found himself unmarked at the back post, only to rush his shot high and wide.
As the U.S. committed players forward in the final minutes, Morocco sealed the victory. A long ball caused a miscommunication between substitute Taha Habroune and goalkeeper Adam Beaudry, allowing Ilias Boumassaoudi to square the ball for Gessime Yassine, who calmly finished into the empty net.
While the U.S. exits the tournament with impressive performances to their credit, the departure is undoubtedly tinged with a sense of what might have been.
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