New York City FC midfielder Yangel Herrera led Venezuela to a huge win at the FIFA Under-20 World Cup on Tuesday, captaining the Vinotinto as they smashed Vanuatu 7-0 to clinch a spot in the Knockout Round.
Three days after going the distance in Venezuela's 2-0 win against Germany, Herrera again went the full 90 in Tuesday's rout in Daejeon to help Venezuela improve to 2-0-0 and keep their place atop Group B. Sergio Cordova took the tournament scoring lead with a pair of goals (3 total), and goalkeeper Wuilker Farinez found the back of the net with a second-half penalty kick.
The win ensured that Venezuela will finish no lower than second in Group B and clinched their spot in the Round of 16. They only need to tie on Friday against Mexico (4 am ET | FS1 & FOX SPORTS GO) to clinch Group B. El Tri have four points through two games after drawing vs. Germany on Tuesday.
Herrera, 19, joined NYCFC on loan from Manchester City in the winter. He’s been impressive in his MLS outings thus far, nothing a goal and an assist in five appearances, two of which have been starts.
In other U-20 World Cup action on Tuesday, hosts South Korea and England clinched passage out of Group A after beating Argentina and drawing Guinea, respectively. Argentina are 0-2-0 at the tournament, and will need to beat Guinea – likely be a large margin – in their group stage finale on Friday to have any shot of advancing to the Round of 16.
The US U-20s, who drew Ecuador, 1-1, in their opener on Monday, will play their second match of the tournament on Thursday against Senegal (7 am ET | FS1 & FOX SPORTS GO).
