WARSAW, May 26 (Xinhua) -- Argentina thrashed South Africa 5-2 in a thriller at the FIFA U-20 World Cup in Poland.
In their Group F opener, Argentina took an early lead with Fausto Vera's fourth-minute goal. But Keenan Phillips equalized the score in the 23rd minute and stepped up the tempo.
The Argentines quickly found weak point in the South African defense, whilst showing the kind of ruthlessness that could secure a high ranking in this tournament.
La Albiceleste dominated the second half, taking the lead through two goals from Ezequiel Barco, which were followed by two more courtesy of Julian Alvarez and Adolfo Gaich. Although South Africa struggled to retain possession, Lyle Foster managed to net their second goal.
Elsewhere, a strike from Boubacar Konte opened scoring Mali's Group E encounter against Panama. But a stunning penalty kick converted by Panama's Diego Valanta made the final score 1-1.
In Group E, an energetic performance saw France begin their campaign with a 2-0 win over Saudi Arabia.
Meanwhile, in Bielsko Biala, Portugal celebrated their Group F opener with a 1-0 victory over South Korea. Trincao's strike in the seventh minute for Portugal, in an otherwise quiet game, demonstrated why he is one of the mainstays of the line-up.
The ongoing FIFA U-20 World Cup is the biggest competition in youth football. The tournament is being held across six venues in Poland until June 15.
