An outstanding performance from Australia at the Volkswagen Junior World Masters saw them qualify for the quarter finals after finishing second in their group. They went into day two knowing that two wins in the final two group matches would secure a quarter final place and that is exactly what they achieved. A 2-1 win against Mexico was followed by a nail biting 1-0 win against Sweden to book a quarter final place against tournament favourites Germany.
The Germans, an academy team from Bundesliga giants Hertha Berlin, had too much for club team ECU Joondalup from Perth and went through 3-1 before going on to lift the trophy in the final against Italy.
The Australian team emerged from the tournament with huge credit in the knowledge that having played six matches they only lost to the two teams that competed in the final - Germany and day one opponents Italy.
Australia kicked off day two against Mexico and took an early 2-0 lead thanks to two goals from forward Ryan Charles. A swirling wind was causing both teams problems, and in the second half the Mexicans got a deserved goal back but Australia had too much for them and held out for a 2-1 win.
That meant it all came down to the final group game against Sweden. Anything other than a win would see Russia progress to the quarter finals with group winners Italy. The tension on the sidelines from ECU Joondalup's loyal and vocal band of supporters was huge. The match was poised at 0-0 and in spite of having chances Australia weren't able to make the break through until a goal from Ayden Dragun with just two minutes to go sent the crowd and the players into ecstasy. They were able to hold on for a 1-0 win which secured a quarter final spot and qualification from a very tough group.
Final Group A table:
Team Played Points
Italy 5 15
Australia 5 10
Russia 5 9
Kazakhstan 5 6
Sweden 5 4
Mexico 5 0
The draw couldn't have been tougher with a quarter final spot against an undefeated and well fancied German team who had previously beaten the likes of Argentina 5-0. They scored three goals in the first half however a strong second half fight back and a conciliation goal by midfielder Sven Begiecevic meant that Australia could hold their heads high with a 3-1 defeat.
Germany went on to beat Switzerland in the semi finals and line up a final against Italy who had beaten Brazil in a tense penalty shoot out in the other semi final. That meant that the two teams who had defeated Australia went on to play in the final in Pepsi Stadium in the curtain raiser before this evening's international match between Poland and Andorra. In a one sided final Germany deservedly took the crown of Volkswagen Junior World Masters champions with a 5-0 win.
The Volkswagen Junior Masters experience is one which the boys from ECU Joondalup will never forget and as Australia's first ever representatives in the tournament they have set the bar high for all teams that follow in the biggest youth football tournament in the world.
An outstanding performance from Australia at the Volkswagen Junior World Masters saw them qualify for the quarter finals after finishing second in their group. They went into day two knowing that two wins in the final two group matches would secure a quarter final place and that is exactly what they achieved. A 2-1 win against Mexico was followed by a nail biting 1-0 win against Sweden to book a quarter final place against tournament favourites Germany.
The Germans, an academy team from Bundesliga giants Hertha Berlin, had too much for club team ECU Joondalup from Perth and went through 3-1 before going on to lift the trophy in the final against Italy.
The Australian team emerged from the tournament with huge credit in the knowledge that having played six matches they only lost to the two teams that competed in the final - Germany and day one opponents Italy.