Argentina set up Morocco showdown in historic U-20 World Cup final

Argentina booked their place in the FIFA U-20 World Cup final after a hard-fought 1-0 win over Colombia, setting up a mouth-watering title clash against Morocco, who stunned France in a dramatic penalty shootout.

Half-time substitute Mateo Silvetti emerged as Argentina's hero, scoring the decisive goal in the 72nd minute to send the Young Albiceleste into their first final since 2007. The Inter Miami forward — a teammate of Lionel Messi — coolly guided Gianluca Prestianni's clever pass past Colombian goalkeeper Jordan Garcia with the outside of his boot.

In a tense opening half, Colombia's Juan Arizala came closest to breaking the deadlock, flashing a shot narrowly wide in the 42nd minute. The second half, however, turned into an end-to-end battle, with both sides creating chances. Argentina goalkeeper Santino Barbi was in inspired form, denying Arizala's header with a fingertip save before defender Tobias Ramirez made a vital intervention to stop Emilio Aristizabal from scoring.

Colombia's hopes faded when Jhon Renteria was sent off for a second booking after bringing down Dylan Gorosito. Argentina held firm to seal their eighth appearance in the final, having previously won the competition a record six times.

"This group went for it; we deserve it," said match-winner Silvetti. "There are no easy opponents, but we played well and showed that Argentina's strength is in its depth."

In the other semifinal, Morocco's fairytale run continued as they edged France 5-4 on penalties after a 1-1 draw. Substitute goalkeeper Abdelhakim Mesbahi was the unlikely hero, saving Djylian N'Guessan's effort in sudden death to send the Atlas Cubs into their first-ever U-20 World Cup final.

Earlier, Morocco took the lead in the 31st minute when Yassir Zabiri's penalty deflected in off France keeper Lisandru Olmeta for an own goal. France hit back early in the second half through Lucas Michal, but could not find a winner in extra time after Rabby Nzingoula was sent off.

Emotional Morocco playmaker Othmane Maamma said, "We never gave up. We showed the beautiful side of Morocco again. We have one more match to become world champions."

The final will pit tournament heavyweights Argentina against history-making Morocco — a clash between pedigree and passion, with world youth football's biggest prize on the line.