Young Socceroos miss out on World Cup Qualification

The Young Socceroos have been knocked out of the race for the 2007 FIFA World Youth Cup after losing 2-1 in their quarter final against South Korea at the AFC Youth Championship in Kolkata, India.

South Korea, who are looking for their third consecutive AFC Youth Championship, made a perfect start scoring after just nine minutes with a free kick driven spectacularly into the top right corner.

Despite missing the services of key attacking weapon in suspended striker Nathan Burns, Australia equalized eight minutes later through midfielder Chris Grossman, whose left foot strike from inside the penalty area followed a ball laid off by striker Bruce Djite.

The Koreans again took the lead ten minutes prior to the interval in unusual circumstances, with another free kick, this time from distance, which cleared the wall and bounced over the head of Australian goalkeeper Tando Velaphi.

The match, which again was played in hot and humid conditions and on a bumpy pitch at the Salt Lake Stadium, saw the Koreans dominate much of the second half ensuring Velaphi was busy throughout.

Australia lost defender Sebastian Ryall to a red card in the dying minutes for what the referee deemed a dangerous tackle.

“Obviously it is very disappointing to lose and miss out on qualifying but to be fair we came up against a very good side in South Korea who are reigning champions and they deserved their victory today,” said Young Socceroos coach Ange Postecoglou.

“We worked hard enough but unfortunately conceded two goals from set pieces which was rather disappointing, but once we fell behind we were always chasing the game and taking a few risks.”

Japan defeated Saudi Arabia 2-1 in the other semi final played earlier and they join South Korea plus the winner of the other two quarter finals in representing Asia at the 2007 FIFA World Youth Cup in Canada.

South Korea 2 (9’, 35’)

Australia 1 (Chris Grossman 17’)

Australian line-up:
Tando Velaphi (gk); Steven O’Dor, Matthew Spiranovic, Sebastian Ryall, Sean Ontong, Chris Grossman (Dario Vidosic 52’), Jimmy Downey (Troy Hearfield 70’), Evan Berger (Oliver Bozanic 54’), Kaz Patafta, David Williams, Bruce Djite.

Substitutes: Mitchell Langerak, Michael Marrone, Brad Porter, Peter Eleftherakis, Tarek Elrich. Suspended: Nathan Burns. Red Card: Ryall 90’.