Vietto a bright star for struggling Argentina

Promising striker Luciano Vietto has been a shining light in a disappointing campaign for Argentina at the Scudamericano U20 championship.

The 19-year-old scored in the 65th-minute as Argentina drew 2-2 against Bolivia, a performance that took his tally to two goals for tournament.

Hosts Argentina are on the verge of elimination having drawn once and lost two of their opening three Group A games, with one match against Colombia remaining.

Vietto, who netted five goals in 16 appearances for Racing Club last season, made his debut for the Primera Division club in 2011 after Diego Simeone, now manager of Atletico Madrid, introduced him for the final three minutes against Lanus.

Many European clubs, including Liverpool and Real Madrid, have already shown interest in signing the talented forward.

Meanwhile, Juan Fernando Quintero’s stock continues to rise at the South American youth championship staged in Argentina.

The Colombian midfielder has been influential for Carlos Alberto Restrepo’s men, who are on the verge of progressing to the next round.

Quintero starred in the opening win against Paraguay and converted a late penalty against group leaders Chile but it could not prevent a 2-1 defeat.

The 19-year-old has featured 14 times in his debut season for promoted Serie A outfit Pescara, scoring once after joining from Colombia’s Atletico Nacional, where he had only played for 10 months.