The Young Socceroos drew 2-2 with the German Under-21 team in a modified training match at Paralimni in Cyprus on Friday.
Both teams are preparing for respective international tournaments so the coaches agreed on 60-minute halves with unlimited substitutions to get all players involved.
Jamie Maclaren and Ryan Williams scored for Australia but Germany ensured the draw ten minutes from time.
Young Socceroos coach Paul Okon was extremely pleased with his team’s performance against their older opposition in hot conditions.
“We played some very good football and dominated possession for large patches of the match, which was very pleasing against another top football nation,” said Okon.
“The goals and result of the match was a just reward for the players’ efforts and application throughout the whole camp and their attitude has been first class.”
“The 12-day camp has been a great start to our final preparation for Turkey (the U-20 World Cup)
The squad will have a short break and reassemble in Sydney next Friday to prepare for the match against New Zealand on June 10.
AZ_RBB
Guest
it's great that a number of the U20 team are plying their trade at some good clubs. we have... Amini at Dortmund II Curtis Good who just played in the League Cup final for Bradford on loan from Newcastle United Jackson Irvine who is the captain of the Celtic U20 team. Giancarlo Gallifuoco at Spurs and a regular in their U21 team. Corey Gameiro has spent time at Fulham and Eindhoven. yes these guys aren't exactly seeing much first team action but i'm a big believer in young aussie kids being exposed to high quality football at these major european clubs.
Matt from Singapore
Guest
Great result, by all reports the current German youth system at the moment is a golden one. Too early to get excited but at least heading in the right direction.
Bondy
Guest
More than one goal scored by a youth team against Germans ,not bad.
rob
Guest
Okon has acheived nothing yet! But THIS will be our word cup - just like the old days- can't see the Roos getting through
Punter
Guest
Great result, hopefully a sign that maybe our youth are starting to get it together again. Paul Okon showing good maturity as a coach.