AUSTRALIA has advanced to the round of 16 at the World Youth Championship in Argentina, after securing a 1-1 draw with ANGOLA, in the final Group D round of matches in Rosario today.
The LG Young Socceroos' goal came from the penalty spot in the 82nd minute after striker Kevo Gulesserian was fouled, Greg Owens successfully converting to level the scores, after Angola had gone ahead in the 12th minute.
Earlier, it had looked like the Australians were fighting a losing battle, when striker and second half substitute Scott McDonald was sent from the field in the 74th minute.
The second half equaliser ensured Australia's place in the next round however, the team finishing the tournament in third position, equal on points with the Czech Republic, who surprisingly lost 3-0 to Japan today, but lower on goal difference.
The LG Young Socceroos now pack up and relocate to Cordoba, where they will meet Brazil, in a virtual re-enactment of the 1999 Under-17 FIFA World Youth Championship Final, on Thursday (AEST), with a view to reversing that result.
"We started today's game very well but then went and gave away a silly goal, which made things really difficult," said coach Ange Postecoglou after the game.
"From then on, while we still controlled the majority of the game and created the chances, Angola sat back on their lead, and seemed very happy to do that.
"When Scotty (McDonald) was sent off, the players could have chucked the towel in, but to their credit they showed a lot of character, continued trying to create the opportunities and play football, and were finally rewarded with the goal.
"You also have to give credit to Greg Owens for the way in which he took the penalty, he was under a lot of pressure, and he knew if he didn't put it away it would be curtains - but he remained calm, and we've come away with the result we needed," Postecoglou continued.
"We'll now spend much of tomorrow travelling to Cordoba in preparation for the game against Brazil, with the boys fitting in a recovery session, before we hit the training field again the day after."
"Everyone over here is over the moon with our progress, we're through to the next round, and whether we finished first, second or third in the group really doesn't matter, we're guaranteed another 90 minutes on the park." Postecoglou concluded.