The Argentina U19 National Team lost to Paraguay in penalties and took silver in the South American Games

The Argentina U19 National Team could not secure the title at the Santa Fe 2026 South American Games. In the final held at the Coloso Marcelo Bielsa in Rosario, the team led by Diego Placente drew 0-0 against Paraguay during regulation time and ultimately lost 5-4 in penalties.

Thus, Argentina obtained the silver medal, while Paraguay celebrated winning the gold medal.

Argentina had the best chances in a tight match

The match began with some approaches from the Argentine team through set pieces. Facundo Carrizo attempted a free kick that went just past the corner, and shortly after, a foul on Ian Subiabre created another opportunity for the home team.

Paraguay responded 15 minutes in with a shot from Pedro Zarza that went just wide. The Albirroja tried to impose speed in their attacks, although Argentina managed to contain their advances.

At 31 minutes, Máximo Leguizamón intervened against a possible finish from José Buhring, although the action was ultimately invalidated due to an attacking foul. Shortly after, the Argentine goalkeeper responded again to a run from Zarza.

Before halftime, one of the most tense moments of the match occurred. Thiago Fernández struck Subiabre while the Argentine player was on the ground, which led to protests and a discussion between both teams. Leguizamón was cautioned, and Fernández already had a yellow card.

The post denied Argentina a goal

At the start of the second half, Facundo Jainikoski had an excellent chance when he found himself one-on-one with the Paraguayan goalkeeper. His cross shot went very close to the post.

At 56 minutes, Argentina came close to scoring again when Ramiro Tulián had a shot that was deflected by the post. Ten minutes later, Subiabre attempted from long range and earned a corner.

Paraguay also created dangerous situations, but neither team managed to break the deadlock. At 84 minutes, Tulián had another opportunity, but he could not connect with the ball comfortably.

In the final stretch, Thiago Fernández was sent off for a second yellow card. With no goals after 90 minutes, the title had to be decided by a penalty shootout.

Paraguay won 5-4 on penalties

The shootout began with Felipe Esquivel, who scored for Argentina. Milan Freyres responded for Paraguay.

Then Franco Domínguez and Joaquín Bogarín scored, while Thiago Pérez and Amín Cristaldo did the same to level it at 3-3.

The series changed when Leandro Olima shot over the crossbar. Rodrigo Vera seized the opportunity and put Paraguay back in the lead.

Jainikoski then scored to equalize the shootout, but Mauro Coronel scored the final penalty and sealed Paraguay's victory at 5-4.

Thus, Paraguay was crowned champion of the Santa Fe 2026 South American Games, while the Argentina U19 National Team under Placente finished with the silver medal.