The Young Socceroos U-20s Thread[R]

Hachiko · Oct 11, 2008

Just wanted to let you know of some news that might interest you. This past week the Young Socceroos and manager Jan Versleijen were in Bangkok competing in the ASEAN Football Federation U-19 championship, and they came home with Australia's second piece of hardware in the AFF and AFC, following the Joeys' breakthrough win over Bahrain.

They defeated China 3-1, drew even with Korea Republic 0-0 and defeated Thailand 2-1, and defeated Korea Republic on penalties 3-1.

Here are some news articles on this, from the AFF web site.

OPENING DEFEAT FOR THAILAND; OZ WIN OVER CHINA

BANGKOK (5 Oct 2008) – A solitary goal off Choi Jung-han in the second half gave Korea Republic a 1-0 win over hosts Thailand in the opening game of the Asean Football Federation (AFF) AFF U19 Championship here at the Rajamangala Stadium.

Junh-han slammed home in the 54th minute to give the Korean the best of start to their campaign as they look to playing against Australia next in a more exuberant mood.

But the match was not exactly played at a high tempo with Korea a little more laid back in the opening half as Thailand took more of the initiative to go forward in front of several hundred fans.

Neither team could make the early breakthrough in the opening quarter of an hour as Korea then strung two passes together for Lee Chang-ho to cause some measure of panic in the Thailand box in the 23rd minute.

Seven minutes later, Han Jea-man had a great chance to put Korea in front but he took too much time to blast the ball in as Thailand then replied with their best chance in the first half with a stiff grounder from Chalermsak Kaewsooktae which narrowly missed the upright.

The pep talk at the break must have done a world of good for Korea as they were more aggressive in the second half and nine minutes after the second whistle, they were in front.

Off a short pass from the centre of the park from Seo Yong-duk, nippy striker Jung-han wasted no time in blasting the ball past Thai keeper Kawin Thamsatchanan.

Korea Republic were a lot more mobile after going in front as they created several more chances only for Han Jea-man and Seo Yong-duk to misplaced their effort.

Thailand upped the tempo in the closing stages of the match but the Korean defence stood firm for the final scoreline.

In the meantime, Australia came back from a goal behind to beat China 3-1 in the second match of the evening.

The Chinese started the game strongly and they duly took the lead off Piao Cheng in the fourth minute when he blasted in a rebounder from Tan Yang.

Rattled, Australia pressed forward and it took them only two minutes to equalized when Milos Lujic beat the off-side trap to put the ball beyond the reach of Chinese custodian Liu Dian Zuo.

Under pressure, China tried to get back into the game but they fell further behind in the 12th minute when Milos headed in a corner from Tahj Minniecon for Australia to take the lead for the first time on the night.

Undeterred, China went in search of the equalizer but they just failed with the last touch as the score remained to the advantage of Australia at the breather.

Both teams continued very much on the same vein in the second half as China attempt to carve out their second goal as Australia on the other hand look to wrap things up.

And while China came close after the break with a header from Li Haozhen, there was no denying Australia the win when Mitchell Nichols headed in a 74th minute cross from Pece Cvetanovski.
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OZ HOLD KOREA REPUBLIC; THAILAND EDGE PAST CHINA

BANGKOK (7 Oct 2008) – Korea Republic and Australia took a big step towards playing in the grand final of the Asean Football Federation (AFF) Under-19 Championship this year when they both played to a scoreless draw here at the Rajamangala Stadium.

Following from their victorious outing in the first game of the tournament two days earlier – when Korea beat Thailand 1-0 and Australia thumping China 3-1 – the match today was expected to be full of excitement from the two giants of Asian football.

Both teams are now on equal four points from two matches although Australia are slightly ahead on better goal difference.

And while this evening, Korea put up a much improved performance from their first game, the Aussies were less confident and played a lot more defensive throughout the exchange.

Korea carved out their first real chance in the tenth minute but the corner from Seo Yong-duk saw no takers while three minutes later, a cross from Han Jea-man was picked up by Choi young-dong, whose shot was blocked by Australian keeper Andrew Redmayne.

The Koreans ended the half with another attempt from Jung-han but Redmayne was equal to the task for the score to remain in a deadlock at the break.

Australia started coming back in the second half but Jason Naidonski just took a tad too long with the chance presented to him in the 54th minute.

As the clock trickles down, it was obvious that there was not going to be a change to the scoresheet even though Australia did creat several chances in the closing stages.

In the meantime, hosts Thailand gave themselves a lifeline for a chance to play in the grand final of the on-going tournament when they beat China 3-0 in the second game of the evening.

China were the early aggressors when Piao Cheng tested Thai custodian Samuel Por Cunningham with a volley in the seventh minute before Zhang Jian delivered a futile header off a cross from Wang Liang five minutes later.

That failure to score saw Thailand going forward and in the 14th minute, they created their first real chance off a cross from Nirunrit Jaroensuk which went past a yawning goalmouth.

But in the 28th minute Nirunrit, who has been a thorn in the Chinese defence the whole night long with his darting runs, finally broke the deadlock when he headed in the lead for Thailand from the far post off a corner from Kroekrit Thawikan.

China attempted to get back into the match in the closing stages of the first half with a double attempt but Cunningham was there to deny the Chinese as the score remained to the advantage of the hosts at the break.

The second half saw Thailand playing a more patient game as they pushed China to take more of the early initiative but instead the visitors fell further behind in the 58th minute when Kroekrit blasted in a grounder off a rebound.

Zhang Jian created a chance for himself at the hour mark but his grounder was denied by Cunningham while ten minutes later, a stinger from Piao Cheng failed to find its intended target.

In the 74th minute, Thailand wrapped up the game in their favour when Nirunrit beat the off-side trap for his second goal of the evening.

The hosts will now need to beat Australia in their next game if they hope to play in the final game of the tournament.

TOURNAMENT SCHEDULES and FIXTURES

5 OCT 2008: KOREA REPUBLIC 1 THAILAND 0; AUSTRALIA 3 CHINA 1

7 OCT 2008: KOREA REPUBLIC 0 AUSTRALIA 0; CHINA 0 THAILAND 3

9 OCT 2008: China vs Korea Republic/ Thailand vs Australia

11 OCT 2008: Third and Fourth Placing/ Grand Final
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KOREA REPUBLIC TO PLAY AUSTRALIA IN GRAND FINAL

BANGKOK (9 Oct 2008) – It will be a Korea Republic-Australia match-up in the grand final of the Asean Football Federation (AFF) Under-19 Championship this year at the Rajamangala Stadium.

Korea Republic disposed of China 1-0 in the first game of the day while Australia beat hosts Thailand 2-1 in the second match.

The grand final and the fight for the third spot will be played at the Rajamangala Stadium in two days.

Following from their disappointing outing against hosts Thailand in their previous match, China were a lot more determined at the start of the game with striker Zhang Jian again testing the Korean defence.

In the 11th minute he delivered a clever cross from the right but there was no one at the far end while five minutes later, Gao Di’s header from a Jiang Xiao Yu’s freekick went straight to the arms of keeper Kim Da-sol.

Korea then eked out what was perhaps their best chance in the opening half but An Jong-hun’s grounder went frustratingly wide as the score stood still at the break.

But the Koreas needed only one chance to win the game and they did it in the 53rd minute when Jong-hun made up for his miss earlier to head in the cross from Choi Jung-han.

The game went into higher gear after that with both teams launching attacks after attacks with Gao Di again missing a golden opportunity in the 62nd minute with a lame shot to the Korean keeper while some ten minutes later, defender Yu Yang stabbed home a corner only to see the ball trickle out of play.

In the 77th minute, Kim Bo-kyung then replied for Korea with a solo run only to see his shot missing the target while two minutes later, a crisp shot from Han Jea-man forced a brilliant save from Chinese custodian Liu Dian Zuo.

China then created their best chance in the game a minute to the end but Zhang Jian just failed to make good on a one-two-one situation for the Chinese to concede their third straight defeat in the championship.

In the meantime, hosts Thailand failed to lift their game against Australia when they went down 2-1.

With the score at a deadlock at the end of the first half, Australia’s patience paid dividends in the 52nd minute when Mitchell Ian Nichols blasted in the lead off some 25metre out to beat Thai keeper Kawin Thamsatchanan for the first time on the night.

But nine minutes later, Thailand fell further behind when Nathan Elasi headed in a cross from Tahj Minniecon for a comfortable 2-0 lead.

Thailand then attempted to get back into the game with their first goal of the game off Nirunrit Jaroensuks drive but that was to be their only bright spark as the score stayed till the end.

TOURNAMENT SCHEDULES and FIXTURES

5 OCT 2008: KOREA REPUBLIC 1 THAILAND 0/ AUSTRALIA 3 CHINA 1

7 OCT 2008: KOREA REPUBLIC 0 AUSTRALIA 0/ CHINA 0 THAILAND 3

9 OCT 2008: CHINA 0 KOREA REPUBLIC 1/ THAILAND 1 AUSTRALIA 2

11 OCT 2008: Third and Fourth Placing (China vs Thailand)/ Grand Final (Korea Republic vs Australia)
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BANGKOK (11 Oct 2008) – Australia took the overall crown in the Asean Football Federation (AFF) Under-19 Championship when they beat Korea Republic 3-1 on penalties in the grand final which was played at the Rajamangala Stadium this evening.

The score at the end of regulation was 0-0 and both teams decided to do away with the extra-time due to the heavy downpour which began at the start of the second half.

Both teams created several clear chances in the opening half and they certainly gave the few hundred fans that had come out to watch these young players in action something to cheer about.

Korea began with an exquisite one-two between Choi Young-dong and Lee Jong-won but the latter’s shot was pushed out by Australian keeper Andrew Redmayne.

Australia replied with an attempt from Tahj Minniecon from a melee but Korean custodian Kim Seung-gyu was there to deny them.

With the rain coming on after the breather, it affected the quality of the game as both teams having to grasp with the difficulty slippery conditions.

The chances were far in between even though Korea did bring in their prodigal midfielder Seo Yong-duk to give more attacking options.

Minniecon came close on two occasions but he just could not find the last touch to beat Seung-gyu between the posts.

With the rain soaking the playing pitch, the decision was made not to have the extra-time but to go straight into penalties.

And Australia kept their nerves to score through Sebastian Ryall, Jason Naidonski and captain James Holland for the win.

Korea missed their first three penalties from captain Lee Chang-ho, Park Jong-woo and Yang Jun-a while Kim Jae-min converted the fourth penalty.

In the meantime, China emerged as the third best team in the competition when they beat hosts Thailand 3-0 in a match that was played earlier.

The win was just revenge for the Chinese who had lost to the Thais by the same margin.

And this evening started the match with lanky forward Tan Yang back in contention after missing the last two matches with an ankle problem.

But this time round however, his presence would make a world of difference to China when he struck the first goal in the 20th minute before Yu Yang nailed the second in the 42nd minute for China to take a 2-0 lead at the break.

Tan Yang then added his second and China’s third in the game jus two minutes after the restart for the well-deserved victory.

TOURNAMENT SCHEDULES and RESULTS

5 OCT 2008: KOREA REPUBLIC 1 THAILAND 0/ AUSTRALIA 3 CHINA 1

7 OCT 2008: KOREA REPUBLIC 0 AUSTRALIA 0/ CHINA 0 THAILAND 3

9 OCT 2008: CHINA 0 KOREA REPUBLIC 1/ THAILAND 1 AUSTRALIA 2

11 OCT 2008: Third and Fourth Placing - CHINA 3 THAILAND 0/ Grand Final - KOREA REPUBLIC 1 (0) AUSTRALIA 3 (0)

ROLL OF HONOUR

CHAMPIONS: Australia

RUNNERS-UP: Korea Republic

THIRD: China PR

FOURTH: Thailand

FAIRPLAY AWARD: Thailand
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Loyalty · Oct 12, 2008

Re: Young Socceroos at the 2008 AFF U-19s [R]

Top effort. Whenever we can match or beat South Korea (or Japan, who weren't at this particular tournament) at youth level then we know we are on the right track.

Hachiko · Oct 13, 2008

Re: Young Socceroos at the 2008 AFF U-19s [R]

Loyalty said: ↑

Top effort. Whenever we can match or beat South Korea (or Japan, who weren't at this particular tournament) at youth level then we know we are on the right track.
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1 for 2 so far this week is better than being 0 for 2, that's for sure.

el-capitano · Nov 3, 2008

Re: The Young Socceroos U-19s Thread[R]

The Qantas Young Socceroos kicked off their 2009 AFC U-19 Championship with a 1-0 win over Asean rivals Thailand in Khobar, Saudi Arabia overnight.

Sam Munro's strike was the difference as Australia struggled to make their first-half dominance tell in the narrow win, which saw them defend the last 10 minutes with only 10-men after Nick Tsattalios was sent off for a straight red card.

Jan Versleijen's side thrived in the opening 45 minutes of the Group D clash with Munro's clinical finish earning a slim advantage at the interval.

Australia loosened their grip on the match after the break but Thailand never really threatened despite having an extra man after Tsattlios' dismissal.
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http://www.footballaustralia.com.au...px?s=insideffa_newsfeatures_newsitem&id=24599

el-capitano · Nov 3, 2008

Re: The Young Socceroos U-19s Thread[R]

The Qantas Young Socceroos remain on course to advance to the next stage of the 2009 AFC U-19 Championship in Saudi Arabia, despite being held to a 1-1 draw by Uzbekistan overnight.

Queensland Roar's Tahj Minniecon scored Australia's goal, his equaliser coming early in the second half at the Prince Saud bin Jalawi Stadium in Khobar..

Australia had gone behind to a Sherzodbek Karimov shot seven minutes before the break, as they made good use of a strong wind behind their backs to have Australia pegged back for much of the half.

The result leaves both Uzbekistan and Australia on four points at the top of the standings with one match to play against Thailand and Jordan respectively. In the other group match, Thailand beat Jordan 3-2.
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http://www.footballaustralia.com.au...px?s=insideffa_newsfeatures_newsitem&id=24630

Loyalty · Nov 6, 2008

Re: The Young Socceroos U-19s Thread[R]

Aust beat Jordan 2-1 in it's last Group game to finish equal top with Uzbeks but ahead on goal difference. We now go on to play N Korea in the quarters. A win there would give us qualification into next years U/20's WC.

gambiano77 · Nov 8, 2008

Re: The Young Socceroos U-19s Thread[R]

Mission accomplished!

Australia 2 - North Korea 1 [AET]

Young Socceroos to the World Cup finals.

Hachiko · Nov 8, 2008

Re: The Young Socceroos U-19s Thread[R]

Good riddance. And look, we get the UAE next! An excellent opportunity to get payback for what they did to our Joeys.

Take it, Noble Young Men of Jan.

Loyalty · Nov 9, 2008

Re: The Young Socceroos U-19s Thread[R]

Hachiko said: ↑

Good riddance. And look, we get the UAE next! An excellent opportunity to get payback for what they did to our Joeys.

Take it, Noble Young Men of Jan.
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UAE actually look like they are nearly team of this tournament. I reckon it's between UAE and S Korea for the trophy.

Wezza · Nov 10, 2008

Re: The Young Socceroos U-19s Thread[R]

Good to see the Queensland boys doing well!

Hachiko · Nov 10, 2008

Re: The Young Socceroos U-19s Thread[R]

From the AFC site:

KHOBAR – Coach Jan Versleijen hailed the winning mentality of his side after Australia clinched a place in the semi-finals with a 2-1 extra-time victory over defending champions DPR Korea.

Mitchell Nichols scored twice – including an acrobatic winner after 114 minutes – at Prince Saud bin Jalawi Stadium in Khobar as the Young Socceroos set up a last-four meeting with the United Arab Emirates, who defeated hosts Saudi Arabia 1-0 in Dammam.

The victory also secured qualification for next year's FIFA U-20 World Cup - Australia's main aim of the tournament - and Versleijen now hopes to take his side to the final on November 14.

“It's fantastic to qualify for the World Cup in Egypt, but we still feel our tournament is not finished,” said Versleijen, whose side could become the first Australians to win an AFC title unless Adelaide United are successful in overturning a three-goal deficit against Gamba Osaka in the second leg of the AFC Champions League final on Wednesday.

“This was like a final for us,” continued the Dutchman.

“But now we go to the semi-finals, our players also want to go to the final of this tournament.

“The strength of this team is their unity and this team likes to win and wants to win.

“How far this quality will bring us, we'll see against UAE.”

Having spent part of his long and successful coaching career in UAE, Versleijen hopes his experience there can aid his side in the semi-final.

“UAE have a good team, winning all the games in their group which has brought them confidence,” he added.

“I worked for many years in UAE, so I understand the quality and the mentality, and I hope our team can get some advantage from that.”

Coach An Ye-gun was disappointed after DPR Korea's bid to retain the title won in India in 2006 was ended.

Myong Cha-hyon equalised eight minutes into the second half as DPR Korea forced extra-time but fatigue played its part as An's team struggled over the additional 30 minutes and Australia prevailed.

“Both teams tried hard during the match,” he said.

“After we equalised, our players tired and we could not look for the winning goal. We had to defend.”

An attributed his side's failure to Australia's greater fitness over 120 minutes of action.

“We played well, but in extra time our physical condition was a little less than Australia's,” he added.
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gambiano77 · Nov 11, 2008

Re: The Young Socceroos U-19s Thread[R]

One hour till the match against the UAE.

gambiano77 · Nov 11, 2008

Re: The Young Socceroos U-19s Thread[R]

Road ends here. 3-0 to the UAE.

Hachiko · Nov 11, 2008

Re: The Young Socceroos U-19s Thread[R]

gambiano77 said: ↑

Road ends here. 3-0 to the UAE.
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For this tournament, yes. But next up is a trip to the Pyramids, and Egypt.

cmedina1983 · Nov 16, 2008

Re: The Young Socceroos U-19s Thread[R]

UAE cannot be underestimated - Under 19 or Seniors. Well played thus far to the Young Guns, but not bowing out in shame.

Loyalty · Nov 23, 2008

Re: The Young Socceroos U-19s Thread[R]

UAE ended up winning the tournament.

P.S. I wouldn't be surprised to see the UAE NT knock over a few of their opposition in Group B either. Don't underestimate them imo.

Matilda Maniac · Feb 23, 2009

Re: The Young Socceroos U-19s Thread[R]

Beyond the FIFA U20 World Cup in Egypt - held from September 25th to October 16th - the AFC launch into the qualifiers for the following edition of the AFC U19 Championship - starting November 1st.

Australia's Group will play in Indonesia: "Japan, who will be itching to shed their perennial U-19 bridesmaid’s tag, and Australia were slotted together in Group F with Indonesia, Singapore, Chinese Taipei and Hong Kong."

http://www.the-afc.com/eng/articles/viewArticle.jsp_168526988.html

el-capitano · Mar 19, 2009

Re: The Young Socceroos U-19s Thread[R]

Qantas Young Socceroos squad

Mark Birighitti - Adelaide United
Luke Brattan - Queensland Roar
James Brown - Gold Coast United
Isaka Cernak - Queensland Roar
Kofi Danning - Sydney FC
Jason Davidson - Hume City, VPL
Luke DeVere - Queensland Roar
Nathan Elasi - Melbourne Victory
Rhyan Grant - Sydney FC
Jason Hoffman - Newcastle Jets
Matthew Jurman - Sydney FC
Ben Kantarovski - Newcastle Jets
Osama Malik - Adelaide United
Joshua McVey - Queensland Roar
Tahj Minniecon - Queensland Roar
Brodie Mooy - Newcastle Jets
Sam Munro - Sydney FC
Mitch Nichols - Queensland Roar
Thomas Oar - Queensland Roar
Chris Payne - Sydney FC
Andrew Redmayne - Central Coast Mariners
Sean Rooney - Newcastle Jets
Sebastian Ryall - Melbourne Victory
Matthew Theodore - Melbourne Victory
Nik Tsattalios - Newcastle Jets

Several of Sydney FC’s rising stars have been recognised for their outstanding efforts in the inaugural season of the National Youth League with junior Sky Blues dominating the Qantas Young Socceroos squad named on Tuesday, ahead of the upcoming FIFA Under-20 World Cup.

Five Sydney players have been named in the 25-member national team, including debutants, Rhyan Grant, Kofi Danning and Chris Payne, while former Sydney FC youth team members, now Newcastle Jets, Nik Tsattalios and Sean Rooney have also been selected in the extended squad.

Next week’s camp will get underway in Canberra on Monday, March 23. The FIFA Under-20 World Cup will be contested by 24-nations, including Australia in Egypt from September 24 to October 16.
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http://www.sydneyfc.com/default.aspx?s=newsdisplay&id=26982

The Scribe · Mar 27, 2009

Re: The Young Socceroos U-19s Thread[R]

I hope this camp is purely for the A-League players, and not indicative of the final team.

As this age group has potential to go well in this tournament with the injection of the overseas players.

Dean Bouzanis (Liverpool) and Brad Inman (Newcastle) are both playing EPL reserves, both thought of extremely highly by their respective clubs, with both having indicated they want to be a part of the Australian setup, but both being very heavily pursued by other countries!

They should absolutely walk into this side, and star in this world cup.

Ben Kantarovski will find himself with a Bayern Munich contract with a solid tournament.

gambiano77 · Apr 5, 2009

Re: The Young Socceroos U-19s Thread[R]

WORLD CUP DRAW

Group E
Brazil
Costa Rica
Czech Republic
Australia

druryfire · May 9, 2009

AFF U19 Youth Championship 2009

Draws been made for the ASEAN Under 19 Youth Championship

HO CHI MINH CITY, VIETNAM
04 - 16 AUGUST 2009

Group A

1. Singapore
2. Malaysia
3. Vietnam
4. Philippines

Group B

1. Cambodia
2. Australia
3. Laos
4. Thailand

Group C

1. Indonesia
2. Myanmar
3. Timor Leste
4. Brunei

Group winners and best runner up qualifies for the semi-finals.

All latest information for the tournement can be found here: www.aseanfootball.org

gambiano77 · May 17, 2009

Re: The Young Socceroos U-19s Thread[R]

Australian-based players selected by Head Coach, Jan Versleijen, for an 18 man Qantas Young Socceroos squad for a European training camp has departed Australia this afternoon as part of their preparation for the 2009 FIFA U-20 World Cup to be held in Egypt in September/October.

The touring squad is comprised of 14 players from Hyundai A-League and National Youth League teams and four players from overseas clubs.

Qantas Young Socceroos Squad List
Mark BIRIGHITTI (Adelaide United), Oliver BOZANIC (Reading FC, England), Luke BRATTAN (Brisbane Roar), Isaka CERNAK (Brisbane Roar), Peter CVETANOVSKI (Borussia Monchengladbach, Germany), Kofi DANNING (Sydney FC), Luke DE VERE (Brisbane Roar), Nathan ELASI (Melbourne Victory), Rhyan GRANT (Sydney FC), James HOLLAND (AZ Alkmaar, Netherlands), Matthew JURMAN (Sydney FC), Ryan McGOWAN (Hearts FC, Scotland), Tahj MINNIECON (Gold Coast United) Daniel MULLEN (Adelaide United), Sam MUNRO (Sydney FC), Mitch NICHOLLS (Brisbane Roar), Thomas OAR (Brisbane Roar), Andrew REDMAYNE (Central Coast Mariners)

Match Schedule
19 May 2009
Friendly - Qantas Young Socceroos v De Graafschap (Terborg) - 1:00pm (9:00pm AEST)
22 May 2009
TT - Valencia CF v Qantas Young Socceroos (Terborg) - 2:10pm (10:10pm AEST)
TT - Qantas Young Socceroos v Feyenoord (Terborg) - 7:10pm (3:10am AEST)
23 May 2009
TT - Qantas Young Socceroos v Atletico Mineiro (Terborg) - 11:40am (7:40pm AEST)
TT - De Graafschap v Qantas Young Socceroos (Terborg) - 3:00pm (11:00pm AEST)
24 May 2009
TT - Terborg Touwernooi Finals Series - Terborg
26 May 2009
Friendly - Qantas Young Socceroos v Egypt U-20 (Terborg) - 11:00am (7:00pm AEST)
30 May 2009
ICGT - Qantas Young Socceroos v PSV Eindhoven (Uitgeest) - 12:00pm (8:00pm AEST)
ICGT - Qantas Young Socceroos v Ajax Amsterdam (Uitgeest) - 1:40pm (9:40pm AEST)
ICGT - Celtic v Qantas Young Socceroos (Uitgeest) 3:30pm (11:30pm AEST)
1 June 2009
ICGT - Qantas Young Socceroos v FC Uitgeest (Uitgeest) 10:00am (6:00pm AEST)
ICGT - Qantas Young Socceroos v Vitesse (Uitgeest) 11:35am (7:35pm AEST)
ICGT - Semi Finals and Finals (Uitgeest) - 2:00pm (10:00pm AEST)
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http://www.footballaustralia.com.au...=insideffa_newsfeatures_newsitem_new&id=27437

el-capitano · Jul 16, 2009

Re: The Young Socceroos U-19s Thread[R]

SYDNEY FC rising star Kofi Danning faces a race against time to play for Australia at the under-20s World Cup in Egypt in September, with Football Federation Australia sweating on the outcome of an appeal to FIFA regarding his eligibility.

A recent change to the governing body's rules means Danning, who was born in Ghana and arrived in Australia as a seven-year-old, is unable to represent his adopted nation in any major international tournament until he has spent five years here after the age of 18.

As he has no parents or grandparents born in Australia, he can only represent Ghana if his case is not granted an exemption, even though he has already played for the young Socceroos in friendly matches.

As it stands, Danning will have to wait until he turns 23 to play for Australia, at which point he would be too old to play for any of the nation's underage teams.

However, the 18-year-old will be selected in the under-20 training camp in Argentina, set to be announced today, which suggests the FFA still holds out hope that Danning will be granted an exemption for the tournament.
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http://www.smh.com.au/news/sport/fo...ning-cup-ruling/2009/07/16/1247337216919.html

el-capitano · Jul 21, 2009

Re: The Young Socceroos U-19s Thread[R]

PREPARATIONS for the Young Socceroos' journey to the under-20 World Cup later this year will step up a gear from this week with a 16-man squad departing Sydney early this morning for a five-day tournament in Argentina.

Australia will play three matches at the Copa Ciudad de Rosario in a congested schedule, starting with a clash against Uruguay on Saturday before facing the USA two days later and, finally, Argentinian second division side Tiro Federal on Wednesday.

"We have some players [missing] due to injury. Tommy Oar and Daniel Mullen were not able to join us in this trip, we couldn't get some players from overseas which their clubs didn't release, so I expect for the World Cup, we'll have some more different players."

The World Cup will be held in Egypt from September 25. Australia find themselves in a tough group alongside Brazil, the Czech Republic and Costa Rica.

With the team having already competed in two three-day tournaments in the Netherlands last month, this high-priority trip was viewed as a critical educational opportunity for the squad to familiarise themselves with the style of North American and - more pertinently - South American football.
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http://www.smh.com.au/news/sport/fo...-american-blitz/2009/07/21/1247941917545.html

el-capitano · Jul 22, 2009

Re: The Young Socceroos U-19s Thread[R]

More on Kofi:

YOUNG Socceroos striker Kofi Danning, proudly wearing the national team tracksuit as he boarded a flight bound for Buenos Aires yesterday morning, looked like another teenager without a care in the world.

But, deep down, the 18-year-old is increasingly nervous. He knows this three-match tour in South America could be the last time he gets to wear the Australian colours for up to five years, and potentially - if fate conspires against him - forever. That's because Danning, who relocated to Australia from Ghana as a seven-year old, has been ruled ineligible to represent Australia at a major tournament by a revision made to the FIFA statutes last year.

The Sydney FC midfielder understands and appreciates why FIFA made the changes, and knows the FFA supports the changes, but argues he should be allowed to play having come to Australia for non-football reasons and well before the change was made.

"They made this new ruling last year because there's been issues where other countries have dragged players in and changed their citizenship," he said. "That's been giving them advantages over other countries, so now they want to stop and get countries to bring their own talent through.

"With me, I came to Australia to have a different life and I didn't really ever expect to get in the national team. But it happened and I'm trying to appeal the fact that I was here before FIFA changed the rule. We're hoping they'll understand the real reason for why I came here."

Danning's other option is to switch allegiances back to Ghana, and while he admits to toying with the idea, he'd rather stick out the five-year wait if that's what it means to play for his adopted country.

"Yeah, it was a question. I always thought that I could go back home and things could work out for me there but I've had my opportunities here. I've grown up here. I like the culture here and the multi-cultural structure," he said. "Australia's a great country. I love it like any other Aussie would love it and that's why I want to play for Australia."

While Danning is keeping his fingers crossed, he's planning to use next week's matches against Uruguay, the United States and local club side Tiro Federal to help boost his chances of a spot in the first XI at the World Cup. "Hopefully I'll do well," he said.
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http://www.smh.com.au/news/sport/kofi-holds-out-for-peace-talks/2009/07/22/1247941961579.html