The young Chelsea goalkeeper had already played his part as the USA secured their place in the last 16 of the Under-20 World Cup by winning their opening two fixtures against Ecuador and Fiji.

America and Slovakia were both on maximum points as they met on Friday evening to decide which team would go through as Group B winners, and Gaga Slonina continued his run of featuring in every minute of his country's campaign in Argentina.

Just like their previous two games, the USA impressed and were on top for the majority of the match, striker Cade Cowell giving them the lead at the end of a long solo run towards the end of the first half.

However, Slonina was called into action as the USA needed him to maintain their narrow advantage into the break, stretching across with a strong arm to swat away a Mario Sauer effort which looked destined for the top corner of the net.

Another fine individual goal by substitute Niko Tsakiris in injury time at the end of the second half made the final score 2-0, meaning for the first time the USA end the group stage at an Under-20 World Cup with a maximum nine points.

They will play their last-16 tie on Tuesday 30 May, when they will face one of the third-place teams with the best group-stage record, with Italy and Brazil currently among the potential opponents.