Young Socceroos book U20 World Cup place after worldie
Australia's young soccer stars are celebrating a huge double prize in China after a thrilling 3-2 comeback win over Iraq not only booked them a place in the Under-20 Asian Cup semi-finals but also ensured they'll play in the U20 World Cup later this year.
In a game of stunning goals in Shenzhen on Saturday, the crowning moment for the Young Socceroos came with a belting 75th minute volley from Melbourne Victory's Alex Badolato that sealed a terrific quarter-final triumph in which they'd twice had to battle back from a goal behind.
The victory, which sparked huge celebrations among Trevor Morgan's enterprising young team in the Baoan Sports Centre Stadium, ensures the Aussie teenagers will face either Japan or Iran in the semi-finals on Wednesday.
ABSOLUTE SCENES AT THE FULL-TIME WHISTLE! 🎉WE'RE OFF TO CHILE! 🥳#YoungSocceroos #AFCU20 #AUSvIRQ pic.twitter.com/hz3u8r3BMw
— Football Australia (@FootballAUS) February 22, 2025
But most importabtly, the win also seals their spot at the Under-20 World Cup in Chile in September and October, the first time Australia have competed in the global showpiece since 2013.
Yet it didn't start well for the Young Socceroos when Amoori Faisal put the Iraqis ahead with a superb curling strike on the quarter-hour after the Aussies had been caught in possession in midfield.
Within seven minutes, though, Adelaide United prospect Luka Jovanovic delivered an astonishing riposte, earning a free-kick about 30 metres out and then trying his luck with a thunderbolt set-piece strike that caught Iraq keeper Wisam Ali napping.
Luka Jovanovic dispatches a wonderful free-kick 🎯🎥 @10FootballAU #YoungSocceroos #AFCU20 #AUSvIRQ pic.twitter.com/vnFNX5rqy2
— Football Australia (@FootballAUS) February 22, 2025
But the Iraqis went back ahead in the 26th minute when Mustafa Qabeel latched on to fine lofted through ball from Layth Mahmood, outpaced Sebastian Esposito, then turned the same Australian defender inside out again before firing home.
Iraq had their chances to increase their lead but Karrar Jaafar's volleyed effort was blocked by Paul Okon-Engstler and after Musa Toure had missed a headed chance for Australia, the equaliser came just a few minutes later after the half-hour mark when Iraq failed to clear Okon-Engstler's cross.
That left Badolato to set up Panagiotis Kikianis for a curling right-footed finish that any central defender would have been proud of.
Steven Hall, once the youngest goalkeeper in A-League Men history at Adelaide and now at Premier League Brighton, did his bit with a couple of key saves, one from Muslim Mousa's header.
WHAT AN UNBELIEVABLE HIT TO GIVE THE #YOUNGSOCCEROOS THE LEAD! 🚀Alex Badolato take a bow. 😮🎥 @10FootballAU #AFCU20 #AUSvIRQ pic.twitter.com/aTsceUpM4R
— Football Australia (@FootballAUS) February 22, 2025
Then just two minutes later, Mousa's headed clearance at the other end only fell kindly for Badolato, the Victory midfielder who's just signed on loan from Western Sydney, and his thunderous volley from just outside the box ripped into the net for the most spectacular of winners.
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