The goalkeeper faced one shot on target and produced a superb save to keep it out with the game goalless, getting down low to his right to tip Jay Herdmen’s fierce strike around the post.

That was with 12 minutes played and less than two later the US went ahead, Owen Wolff’s daisycutter allowed to find the bottom corner.

The Americans had several chances to double their lead before they did do so on the hour through the in-form Cade Cowell. They pressed home that advantage in the final quarter-hour with Justin Che and Rokas Pukstas finding the net in quick succession.

Slonina needed treatment during nine minutes of additional time after getting fouled gathering a high ball, but happily he was able to continue and preserve his clean sheet.

It means the US have now won all four of their games at the tournament in Argentina without conceding. They will play either Uruguay or Gambia in the quarter-finals on Sunday.

Chelsea interest in the Under-20 World Cup continues on Wednesday when Brazil, captained by Andrey Santos, meet Tunisia, and Italy and England face off.