AUSTRALIA has bowed out of the FIFA Under-17 World Championships, following its disappointing 5-1 loss to Nigeria earlier today in Tobago.
LG Joeys coach ANGE POSTECOGLOU was extremely disappointed with the loss, although he highlighted that the score was not a true reflection of the game.
While Nigeria scored three goals in the remaining ten minutes, Australia¹s only goal of the game came in the 86th minute, when New South Welshman MATTHEW ENGELE scored with a diving header.
"The game was in the balance much of the time, and we did play well," said Postecoglou from Bacolet shortingly after the game.
"We created quite a few opportunities that we just didn¹t finish and to their credit, Nigeria played well and deserved their victory."
Postecoglou was philosophical about the result, bringing it down to a number of factors.
"I was very happy with the way the boys had progressed so far, but today¹s loss is utterly disappointing.
" We lacked the cutting edge up frontŠ we had numerous opportunities and just didn¹t¹ take them." he said.
The National Youth Coach again highlighted goalkeeper NATHAN COE¹s performance, while West Australian ANTHONY DANZE and captain CARL VALERI were also prominent.
"Nathan was outstanding in goal again tonight, and Danze and Valeri are the two who have been very consistentŠ I expect big things from them both in a couple of years.
"Our back four were pretty solid for most of the game, Agius (Fred), Holman (Brett) and Jay Lucas were all up to it until the last fifteen or so."