The Young Socceroos are out of the FIFA Under 20 World Cup following a 3-0 loss to Costa Rica on Wednesday.
The Australians needed a win after their disappointing first match defeat to the Czech Republic but were outclassed by the Central Americans.
With Brazil and the Czech Republic later playing out a 0-0 draw any slim hope the Australians had of progressing past the group stage was extinguished.
Diego Madrigal netted Costa Rica’s first goal in the 35th minute, Luke DeVere had a horror own goal nine minutes from time and David Guzman sealed the Australians’ fate with a stoppage time effort.
It was an uninspired and ill-disciplined performance from Australia, substitute Tahj Minniecon summing up the effort when he was punished with a red card just five minutes after entering the pitch.
Minniecon kicked out at his counterpart in full view of Algerian referee Mohamed Benouza after first showing some neat touches in a cameo that was designed to rescue Australia’s disappearing tournament prospects.
Until Costa Rica’s opener, Australia were generally more disciplined and positive compared to their wayward showing against the Czechs three days earlier.
Recalled Bolton Wanderers midfielder Aaron Mooy had added some much needed class and finesse on the ball as the Young Socceroos pressed forward in the opening half an hour.
However, as the Czechs had done, Costa Rica struck against the run of play from a set piece.
With the Australian team camped in or around the penalty area, Ticos playmaker Madrigal received a short pass and was afforded too much time time on the ball, duly unleashing an unstoppable right foot effort past goalkeeper Dean Bouzanis.
Bouzanis was an unwilling participant in Costa Rica’s second, where Brisbane Roar defender DeVere headed back pass looped over the advancing Liverpool custodian.
With the final kick of the game, Guzman ensured a miserable end for the Young Socceroos with his neat finish.
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