First match of the Pan American Cup was between top ranked team Argentina and a young and inexperienced Mexican team (average 21 years old and 17 International Caps). The difference quickly showed: Argentina were on the scoreboard in the first minute by Matias Paredes and were up 4-0 within 5 minutes of play, with a hat-trick for Facundo Callioni in less than 2 minutes!

Mexico settled their nerves, organized their defense, well backed by veteran goalkeeper Moisés Vargas García, and play became more balanced. Mexico saved the first Argentinean penalty-corner with a spectacular stick deflection by the post defender, but Argentina added 2 more goals around the 20th minute mark, by Guido Barreiros then Lucas Vila on stroke.

Mexico were showing speed and good individual skills in midfield, but Argentina were too experienced to let them develop much danger and Juan Vivaldi was having a quiet morning in goal. Half-time was reached with a comfortable half-time lead 8-0 for Argentina.

The Mexican defense regrouped well at the beginning of second period and Moisés Vargas García thwarted a few Argentinean attempts. Score did not evolve until the 50th minute with an “own goal” in favor of Argentina, but Mexico replied immediately with a superb goal by Argenis Vásquez García that drew loud applause from the crowd, clearly cheering for the underdog.

Having done it once, the Mexican youngsters boldly decided that they could do it again, and scored again by Oscar Bobadilla Rosales after an hour of play. Argentina were never in trouble in this match. They added 3 goals in the final minutes against a tiring Mexican defense to cruise to a relaxed 13-2 win, but they will be unhappy with the 2 goals conceded to their young opponents.