The Subway Young Socceroos have qualified for their first FIFA U-20 World Cup in twelve years after coming from behind twice to defeat Iraq 3-2 in Shenzhen.
Trevor Morgan made seven changes to the side that defeated hosts China PR on Tuesday, with his preferred starting side reinstated after a rotation of the squad, due to the congested schedule.
Tweet: https://twitter.com/FootballAUS/status/1893290984366379493
Victory in the quarter-final would see Australia qualify for its first FIFA U-20 World Cup in over a decade. Iraq stood in their way, a side that has traditionally been strong in youth tournaments.
The opponents' start reflected that reputation, with the Iraqis taking the lead through a quality curling Amoori strike inside 15 minutes.
Having previously fallen at the quarter-final stage of the last U-20 Asian Cup, the pressure was on the Young Socceroos to respond. Luka Jovanovic obliged less than 10 minutes later, with the Adelaide United star firing in a free-kick from 30 yards to draw the game level.
With the match now stretched from both goals, it was Iraq who would capitalise on the frantic circumstances shortly after the equaliser, with Mustafa making the most of a swift counter-attack to put his side back in front.
The second half came with a statement of intent from Young Socceroos coach Trevor Morgan, with his first half-time changes of the tournament. Deli and Yull were the players introduced with the hope of sparking Australia's resurgence.
The breakthrough would actually arrive, ironically, via the strike of a central defender. Panagiotis Kikianis was clinical after the hour mark from close range following a penalty-box scramble.
Not resting on that equaliser, the Young Socceroos probed for a winner. It would be the new Melbourne Victory recruit Alex Badolato that would emerge as the hero, with the midfielder receiving from an Iraqi clearance, before lashing the ball on the half-volley just outside the box, into the top-corner.
Having now fallen behind for the first time in the match, Iraq pushed forward with immense intent, requiring a diligent Young Socceroos defensive effort to repel their opponents. Goalkeeper Steven Hall would produce two top-class saves in the latter periods of the match, first from a long-range strike, and second being an unfortunate deflection that required superb reactions to palm away from the near post.
The celebrations and emotions displayed following the final whistle highlight the achievement of this U-20 Australian side and coach Trevor Morgan, with a FIFA World Cup and an Asian Cup semi-final spot now secured for the first time in over a decade.
Tweet: https://twitter.com/FootballAUS/status/1893294621037388135
Australia U-20: 3 (Jovanovic 22', Kikianis 62', Badolato 74')
Iraq U-20: 2 (Amoori 15', Mustafa 26')
Date: Saturday 22nd February 2025
Venue: Bao'an Sports Centre Stadium, Shenzhen
Australia U-20 Lineup: 1. (GK) Steven Hall, 3. (C) Sebastian Esposito, 4. Panagiotis Kikianis, 5. Fabian Talladira, 6. Paul Okon-Engstler, 7. Daniel Bennie, 9. Luka Jovanovic (23. Adam Bugarija 90+3'), 10. Alex Badolato, 11. Tiago Quintal (8. Jonny Yull 46'), 15. Jaylan Pearman (17. Frans Deli 46'), 19. Musa Toure (21. Dean Bosnjak 84')
Unused Substitutes: 2. Joshua Inserra, 12. (GK) Alexander Robinson, 13. Lucas Herrington, 14. Zach Lisolajski, 16. Oliver Randazzo, 18. (GK) Gus Hoefsloot, 20. Louis Agosti, 22. Medin Memedi
