The Argentine fans had been gathering all afternoon in anticipation of their team's opening match at Frank Clair Stadium in Ottawa against the Czech Republic. Bringing Ottawa a flavor of "La Bombanera" (home of Boca Juniors—one of Argentina's most famous clubs) with whistles, drumbeats and plenty of Argentine flags, Argentine supporters were in a frenzy.
Boosted by their superior fan support the Argentines, in their familiar light-blue and white striped shirts, took the game to the Czechs right away. In his red boots, Argentine striker Mauro Zarate controlled the left wing and gave Czech defenders fits with his Cristiano Ronaldo-like moves.
The Czechs countered and competed well with Petr Janda and Marcel Gecov neutralizing Argentine playmaker Ever Banega. The pace was fast and the Argentine commentators suggested Banega should try to slow the pace of the game down and play more like a South American national team.
The Czechs weren't having much success in the air due to Argentina's giant central defender Federico Fazio who stands a shade over 6 feet 4 inches.
The statistics pointed to Argentina's dominance despite a scoreless first half. Argentina outshot the Czechs 5–0. The Czechs had also picked up three yellow cards while Argentina managed to stay out of the referee's books.
The second half was total Argentine domination. Their fans were on the edge of their seats just waiting for the breakthrough goal. Mauro Zarate had switched over to the right side while the Czech's brought on highly-regarded forward Tomas Pekhart.
Despite playing the entire second half in Czech territory, Argentina ultimately couldn't find the winning goal. The Czech defense held up brilliantly. Argentina threw everything including the kitchen sink at the Czechs, repeatedly switching wings and trying to pry their way through the heart of the Czech defense.
Argentine coach Hugo Tocalli didn't show his disappointment at missing a glorious opportunity to take control of the group, given the Panama-North Korea draw. "I'm quite satisfied with the play of my players. We will continue to improve considering it's the first match. We have to give a lot of credit to our opponents."
When asked what he thought about the artificial turf surface, Tocalli responded: "I don't want to give excuses…The surface is not appropriate for U-20. It's better for U-17."
Czech coach Miroslav Soukup was full of praise for Argentina. "Argentina showed why they are world champs in this game. Argentina controlled the game and had more chances. Argentina dominated in possession 59 percent to 41 percent and actually directed 29 shots toward the Czech goal while facing only three toward their own.
"We finished 0–0 with a little bit of luck. We're very happy the game is over, happy we started off on the right foot. Argentina doesn't lose very often."
The Czechs have dodged a bullet and look to be in good shape. Argentina will regret lost chances but if they improve from this performance, North Korea and Panama are in for a rough ride.
After an exciting Saturday in Ottawa, no goals were scored and Group E remains deadlocked.
Group E teams play again Tuesday July 3 in Ottawa. Argentina faces Panama while the North Koreans battle the Czechs.
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