The U.S. U-20 Men’s National Team clinched a spot in the quarterfinals of the 2025 FIFA U-20 World Cup with a decisive 3-0 victory over Italy on October 9, 2025. The match took place at Estadio El Teniente in Rancagua, Chile, where captain Benjamin Cremaschi scored two goals, while Niko Tsakiris contributed one.
Cremaschi’s Stellar Performance
Benjamin Cremaschi opened the scoring in the 15th minute, securing his fourth goal of the tournament. The U.S. captain capitalized on a rebound after Italy’s goalkeeper, Jacopo Seghetti, deflected his initial effort. Cremaschi later added a second goal in the third minute of stoppage time, lifting the ball over Seghetti to seal the victory.
Key Moments of the Match
- 15th Minute: Benjamin Cremaschi scores the first goal.
- 79th Minute: Niko Tsakiris scores from a free kick to extend the lead.
- 90+3 Minute: Cremaschi scores his second goal, assisted by Luke Brennan.
Tsakiris’ impressive performance included not just a goal but also direct participation in the build-up to the first goal. This match marked his second goal of the tournament, contributing to the team’s overall success.
Defensive Strength
The U.S. defense, anchored by goalkeeper Adam Beaudry, successfully stopped Italy’s attempts to score. Beaudry made three crucial saves, ensuring his second clean sheet of the tournament. The U.S. players showed resilience, particularly after a disappointing loss to South Africa prior to this match.
Statistics Overview
| Statistic | USA | Italy |
|---|---|---|
| Shots | 10 | 7 |
| Shots on Goal | 5 | 3 |
| Saves | 3 | 2 |
| Corner Kicks | 3 | 8 |
| Fouls | 18 | 15 |
Upcoming Challenges
With this victory, the U.S. U-20 team advances to its fifth consecutive quarterfinal, marking a significant achievement in their tournament history. They will face the winner of the Round of 16 match between Morocco and Korea Republic on Sunday, October 12, at 4 p.m. ET.
Notable Achievements
This victory not only highlights the team’s talent but also sets a record for Benjamin Cremaschi, who surpassed the previous U.S. record for the most goals scored at a single U-20 World Cup. The United States now moves forward with renewed confidence as they aim for further success in the tournament.
