MEDELLIN, Colombia — Argentina won its opening match of the FIFA U-20 World Cup tournament, outlasting Mexico’s squad 1-0 on Friday.

Argentinian player Erik Lamela sent a powerful, left-footed kick at minute 70, scoring what would become the only goal of the game.

Colombia is hosting the U-20 World Cup tournament, in which 24 teams packed with young talent will compete in eight venues. Argentina’s thrilling performance Friday showed why the team is one of the favorites to win it all.

Unfortunately for Mexico, Argentina is in its group (F) and Friday’s game was an early test for the Mexican squad. England and North Korea are also in that group.

Practically as soon as the game started, several opposing players physically clashed, resulting in a yellow card against Argentinian Matías Laba.

At minute 19, Lamela sent a header toward Mexico’s net, which goalkeeper Carlos López managed to stop.

Lamela, who plays on the Italian team Roma, continued pressing Mexico’s defense and sent another powerful kick toward the net at minute 34, which again was deflected by Mexico’s goalkeeper.

The dynamic game continued before a crowd of 20,000 that had packed Atanasio Girardot stadium.

In the second half, Mexican player Alan Pulido scored a goal at minute 47, but he was called off sides at the score was erased.

Colombian Juan Iturbe kicked a pass toward Mexico’s net on minute 68 and nearly surprised the goalkeeper López, who managed to deflect it.

Two minutes later, López was powerless to stop Lamela, who sent a kick into the net. Mexico was unable to answer with a goal of its own and lost its first tame in the tournament.

The two teams next play on Monday: Mexico against North Korea and Argentina takes on England. The final will be played on Aug. 30.

More information: http://www.fifa.com/u20worldcup/index.html