Australia’s next generation of Socceroos have punched their ticket to the 2015 Under 17 World Cup in Chile, with a 2-1 victory over Malaysia in the quarter-finals of the Asian confederation qualifying tournament in Thailand.
The Joeys did things the hard way, when despite a glut of possession they fell behind in the 31st minute of the match when Malaysia midfielder Raj Mohana unleashed a long-range bullet to beat `keeper Duro Dragicevic.
Fortunately for Australia the wait for an equaliser was short-lived, Cameron Joice netting from close range after being played in by a beautiful cross from Jamie Dimitroff.
The game continued at a frenetic pace, Malaysia unlucky not to regain the lead in the 43rd minute when a thunderous strike rattled the crossbar.
Throughout the second half, the Joeys once again had the better of possession, but struggled to break down the Malaysia defence, until the 76th minute when Daniel Maskin struck.
Maskin calmly finished off a Peter Kekeris cross to beat the Malaysia `keeper.
The Joeys will play the winner of Iran and North Korea in the semi-final of the Asian Football Confederation’s Under 16 Championships.
The four semi-finalists from the region automatically go through to the 2015 World Cup which is then played in the under 17 age group.
Catnap
Guest
Let's just hope okon doesn't get his hands on them!!!!!!
Justin Mahon
Guest
This is the 1st generation of Australian footballers to only know the @FFA and the National Curriculum and the associated SAP/NTC/COE pathway. He'll they didn't even have SAP some of them. You throw in the the NPL player development reforms and the pathway and the A-League academies that are only a Lille way off and Aus finally has a world class pathway. The #Joey's a decade from now will be wonderful players. Well done to the FFA.
Ben of Phnom Penh
Roar Guru
I saw the opening exchanges of the Iran-North Korea game and both sides looked very sharp. I didn't realise it was U-16's when I first turned it on! The North Koreans will give us quite a work-out on Wednesday if they maintain that form (mind you I did only see the early exchanges). The real surprise has been Syria, who are playing in the other semi against South Korea. How a country ravaged by civil war has managed to pull together a side that has strode into the semis and booked a place in Chile is a question worthy of investigation. Someone has been working very hard against the odds to get that side together and functioning.
Fussball ist unser leben
Roar Guru
Another very pleasing performance from the lads, albeit very wasteful with their chances & very lucky that Malaysia were also profligate. Even 1st half, then Australia dominated the 2nd half but couldn't put the game beyond reach. In the very last 10 seconds of stoppage time at the end of the 2nd half, the Aussie GK pulled off a terrific block to stop the match going to penalties (no extra time in this tournament).