Friday Oct 25, 2013 DUBAI, UAE – Matias Sanchez scored twice in the second-half to lift Argentina to a 3-0 win over Canada in the final Group E match for each at the FIFA U-17 World Cup on Friday at Al-Rashid Stadium.

Canada, which opened the tournament with two straight draws, entered the game level with Iran on two points.  A combination, however, of the loss and Iran’s 1-0 win over Austria eliminated the CONCACAF side from contention.  Argentina finished atop the group with seven points.

The Argentineans took a 1-0 lead just before half-time, when Joaquin Ibanez scored his second goal of the tournament in the first minute of stoppage time.  Luis Leszczuk cut the ball into the box to Ibanez, who took a touch before putting a powerful shot inside the far post from 10 yards.

Canadian hopes of progressing became more complicated just a minute after the break.  Sanchez latched onto a Nicolas Tripichio far-post cross and his header from seven yards glanced off the post and into the net to double Argentina’s advantage.

In the 61st minute, the Maple Leafs nearly halved the deficit.  Jordan Hamilton headed an Ali Musse corner kick back in front of goal, but Elias Roubos sent it over the net from inside the six-yard box.

Nine minutes later, Hamilton was in alone on goal, only to shoot into the feet Augusto Batallabut, who came off of his line confidently.

Sanchez put the finishing touches on the win for Argentina with a golazo in the 75th minute, curling the ball inside the far post from 22-yards out to complete his brace in superb style.

PHOTO: Canada’s Jordan Haynes is challenged by Matias Sanchez of Argentina during their FIFA U-17 World Cup match at Al Rashid Stadium on October 25, 2013 in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. (Photo: FIFA via Getty Images)