The Qantas Young Socceroos have drawn 1-1 against Morocco in their final international match prior to next month’Äôs FIFA World Youth Championship.
The Australians were behind after just four minutes but equalized soon after, when the Moroccans conceded an own goal. Whilst the Qantas Young Socceroos dominated the second half they were unable to secure the second goal that would have seen them claim first place in the Four Nation Tournament played in Busan , South Korea .
The other match between South Korea and Colombia finished 1-1 leaving the South Americans in top spot with five points, followed by South Korea 4 (0 goal difference), Australia 4 (-1 goal difference) and Morocco 2.
Morocco made a dream start through Bendamou Tarik who broke down the left and finished past goalkeeper Justin Pasfield.
The Qantas Young Socceroos quickly found their feet and Billy Celeski, who firstly had a snap shot turned past the post, then laid the groundwork for the equalizer in the 19th minute. A free kick from the Perth Glory midfielder causing havoc in the defence and under pressure could only be bundled over the line by a defender.
The North African team lost a player to a red card ten minutes later for striking and the Australians looked like they had taken advantage of their numerical supremacy almost immediately, but Nick Ward’Äôs dipping shot came off the inside of the post and away to safety following a fine sweeping team move.
The Qantas Young Socceroos dominated large chunks of the second half and had the ball in the net with ten minutes remaining but Chris Tadrosse was denied by an offside flag.
Morocco were reduced to nine men in injury time again losing a player to a red card for striking.
’ÄùTonight was a disappointing result for us and an opportunity lost in that we could have won the game and the tournament,’Äù said coach Ange Postecoglou .
’ÄùWe played well in many aspects but couldn’Äôt put the ball in the net and we let ourselves get frustrated towards the latter stages of the game.
’ÄùThe tournament has been excellent preparation with three good quality games and we are now looking forward to heading to the Netherlands .’Äù
The Qantas Young Socceroos will depart for the Netherlands on Monday playing two training games against the u-23 teams of Dutch clubs NEC Nijmegen (June 3) and De Graafschap (June 5) before the tournament commences on June 10.