Chad Barrett scored in the 39th minute to give the United States a 1-0 win over four-time champion Argentina in their opening game at the World Youth Championship.
The goal came when Barrett's UCLA teammate, Marvel Wynne, broke free down the right wing, and his deflected cross found Barrett in the middle for an open header.
The Americans had a chance to put the game away in the second half, but Freddy Adu's penalty kick was struck off the post. Argentina had a shot off the post in the first half but didn't come to life until the second half with the insertion of Barcelona youngster Lionel Messi, who forced U.S. keeper Quentin Westberg into making several excellent saves.
Barrett also had two other good chances, one in each half.
The Americans had to play the last hour without Manchester United defender Jonathan Spector, who went off after several tough challenges with Argentine players.
The U.S. next faces Germany on Tuesday, June 14 at 2:30 p.m. ET live on Fox Soccer Channel
GAME REPORT:
June 11 in Enschede
USA 1 Argentina 0. Goal: Barrett 39. USA — Westberg, Wynne, Ianni, Spector (Sturgis, 38), Freeman, Dalby, Feilhaber, Ochoa (Peterson, 60), Gaven, Adu, Barrett (Szetela, 85).
Argentina — Ustari, Cabral, Formica, Barroso, Paletta, Gago (Cardozo, 76), Biglia, Zabaleta, Armenteros (Messi, 46), Vitti, Oberman.
Yellow cards: USA — Gaven 29; Argentina — Vitti 46, Paletti 66.
Referee: Terje Hauge (Norway).
Att.: n/a.
STATS:
Shots: USA 9, Argentina 13.
Saves: USA 6, Argentina 4.
Corner Kicks: USA 6, Argentina 6.
Fouls: USA 17, Argentina 21.
Offside: USA 3, Argentina 0.