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Australia get a tough draw but show promise against the Fins
The Australian Joeys are faced with a tough group stage of the U/17 Championships in Finaland after being drawn against Argentina, Costa Rica and Nigeria.
First up in Group B for Australia will be Argentina. They finished as the South American champions and are easily the toughest opponents for Australia. The fact they are playing Argentina first may be a blessing in disguise as the South Americans may find building up to a certain level of football desirable as they progress through the tornament. This giving Australa a possibly easier match than their fellow Group B contestants.
Second on the agenda for Australia will be Nigeria, the third placed African nation. Despite their position Nigeria is a previously proven nation in international tornaments and thus makes them a force in the group. They have proven themselves at this level as well which only enhances their chances. Australia however aren't without prior representation at this tornament and will prove to be a distinguishing force for the Nigerians.
Finally Australia will take on Costa Rica, the runners-up in the CONCACAF qualifying behind the USA. A disappointing World Cup for the Costa Ricans will be the motivation behind a good performance here, despite scoring well against nations like Brazil at the World Cup. Costa Rica will prove to be Australia's best chance however for a victory at the tornament.
With that now said here are my predictions for how the will finish:
Argentina - 7
Australia - 5
Nigeria - 5
Costa Rica - 2
Hopefully goal difference will make the difference for Australia.
After the draw The Joey's took on Finland's U/17 and came away defeating the U/17 Championship hosts. In the first game of a two match series, Australian Joeys scored twice in the first half, thanks to Serkan Oksuz (35', 42') to go into the break 2 goals up.
But Finland weren't going to disappoint their local fans and the numerous FIFA dignitaries on hand and pulled a goal back in the 78th minute.
A tense 12 minutes followed but the Australian Joeys came away with the 2-1 victory.
Thursday, 12 June, 2003 |
