Coach Paul Okon has vowed the Young Socceroos will impress with their footballing skills as they attempt to improve Australia’s recent record at the FIFA under-20 World Cup.
With the chance to display their wares on a world stage Okon says motivation is not an issue but teamwork is the key as his young charges attempt to become the first Australian side to go beyond the opening group phase of the tournament since 2003.
The Young Socceroos face a huge test in their opening match against Colombia at Trabzon in Turkey on Saturday night (early Sunday AEST) and it doesn’t get much easier with matches against El Salvador and hosts Turkey to follow.
The top two teams in the six groups plus four of the best third-placed teams advance to the round of 16.
“They (the players) are all super hungry,” said Okon, a member of the 1991 team that famously made the semi-finals.
“On the world stage, they are aware of the importance in playing for their country among the best players in their age group.”
Making a good start is crucial at such tournaments, and Australia are up against a Colombia team considered by some to rival Spain as title favourites.
Sparked by young Genoa star Juan Fernando Quintero, Colombia won this year’s South American youth championship to qualify.
“We’ve watched a few of their games and Quintero’s definitely a key player, but they have some very good players aside from him,” said Okon.
“I’m not really interested in the expectations of everybody else, though. We’re going to play our own style.”
The Australians qualified through last year’s semi-final placing at the U-19 Asian Championship and make their 15th appearance at youth football’s showpiece, the most of any nation competing this year along with Spain.
While some players like defender Curtis Good, striker Corey Gameiro and midfielder Jackson Irvine could harbour long shot hopes of coming into the reckoning for Socceroos coach Holger Osieck’s Brazil World Cup squad next year, Okon said such thoughts would stay firmly in the background.
Ralph Nadeer
Roar Rookie
Matthew, I gladly eat my words man and with a big smile. That's a great team performance to draw with Columbia, who are South America's best and equal tournament favourites with Spain. Some patches of very good passing and positional play especially in midfield with DaSilva and Brilliante. 16 year old DaSilva was great and a big find so far. This looks more promising and maybe we can make the next round after all, but need to be just as consistent in their next game and then the last one against Turkey man, in front of 100,000 screaming Turks. A real test of how far they have come.
The Bear
Guest
We looked a little lost and wanting when in attack down the right flank, but apart from that the team def held their own. Well done! Best I've ever seen our u20 NT play. Colombia's goal was a deflection so we should take some solace from that, could of easily been the biggest upset since drawing 2-2 in the recent training game v Germany.
Jukes
Guest
I watched the last 15-20 mins and the boys were not out of their depth at all. Was very encouraged by the way they were knocking it around. Technically very sound . Its a tough group but they are right in this. Daniel da Silva gets a special mention here as well, he just oozes class.
Matthew Skellett
Guest
Hey Aus drew with Colombia in first game after leading 1-0 most of 2nd half!!!
Ralph Nadeer
Roar Rookie
Very tough group man and a shame. Up against the South American Champions and the home country. They will do their best of course but will be lucky to even win one of their games man. Our youth teams and youth player development pathway set up is still not good enough to produce world champions.
whiskeymac
Guest
Played hockey myself and love the game... Very similar to soccer and has a great international scene too... One in which the nt excels. Looking fwd to seeing gen next play... Some graduate later on some don't but always good to see how the players and coaches are progressing...
Punter
Guest
One of this countries most underrated national teams the Kookaburras. I wish them well!!! My dad played hockey, when I was young & seen many games of hockey. As for the young Socceroos, looking forward to seeing how some players like Good, Taggart, Gameiro & a young player called Daniel Da Silva (who is only 16 in a under 20 competition). Da Silva comes with big wraps.
Matthew Skellett
Guest
Go da Young Soccerroos !!!!! Also want to stick an oar in and plug the Kookaburras National Field Hockey Team who have just made the Final of the Inaugeral World Hockey League and have qualified for the 2014 FIH Field Hockey World Cup go Mr Dwyer!!!!!!