Young Socceroos beat Japan to reach U20 Asian Cup final
The Young Socceroos have reached the final of the Under-20 Asian Cup for the first time in 15 years after the cream of Australia's young footballing talent defeated Japan 2-0 in China.
Second-half goals from the outstanding Musa Toure and Jaylan Pearman in Shenzhen's Baoan Sports Centre Stadium on Wednesday were enough to pilot Trevor Morgan's largely teenage side into Saturday's showdown against Saudi Arabia.
It's the first time Australia have reached the final of the junior continental championship since it was last held in China in 2010, and the Young Socceroos were beaten 3-2 at the last hurdle by North Korea.
OMG! IT'S A PEARLER FROM PEARMAN!!! 😱🔝🗑️🎥 @10FootballAU#YoungSocceroos #AFCU20 #AUSvJPN pic.twitter.com/tUDBw1iEwb
— Football Australia (@FootballAUS) February 26, 2025
Morgan's youngsters have won all five of their matches to get there too, a considerable achievement which was capped by them proving the stronger side against a technically adept Japanese team who had defeated them 2-1 in a friendly just three weeks earlier.
Saudi Arabia had earlier on Wednesday won their semi-final against South Korea, prevailing in a penalty shootout 3-2 after a goalless draw. Goalkeeper Hamed Al Shanqiti proved the Saudis' hero, saving two spot-kicks in the shootout.
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