Aussies win their first U20 Asian Cup title with shoot-out win in opposition to Saudi

March 3 – Australia’s rising stars etched their names into historical past, claiming their first-ever AFC U20 Asian Cup title with a dramatic penalty shootout victory over three-time winners Saudi Arabia in Shenzhen, China.  

With the ultimate locked at 1-1 after additional time, goalkeeper Steven Corridor emerged because the hero, denying Bassam Hazazi from the spot because the Younger Socceroos triumphed 5-4 on penalties on the Baoan Sports activities Centre Stadium.

It was a becoming finish to a flawless match for the Socceroos, who stormed by means of the competitors unbeaten. Their journey included a commanding 2-0 semi-final win over Japan, however Saudi Arabia proved to be their hardest problem, pushing the ultimate to the restrict earlier than falling simply quick.

Defending champions Uzbekistan noticed their reign come to an finish within the quarter-finals, bowing out to South Korea in a penalty shootout after an exciting 3-3 draw. The South Koreans went on to lose on penalties to runners-up Saudi Arabia within the semi-finals.

The Saudis additionally knocked out hosts China within the quarter finals, while the Aussies took out five-time winners Iraq in a five-goal thriller on the identical stage.

AFC President Shaikh Salman bin Ebrahim Al Khalifa mentioned: “The AFC U20 Asian Cup was one other spectacular showcase of Asia’s rising stars and on behalf of the whole Asian soccer household, I wish to convey our collective and heartfelt congratulations to Australia on successful the coveted Continental crown.

“We should additionally reward Saudi Arabia for his or her outstanding achievement in reaching the ultimate and the progress of each groups is certainly testomony to the dedication of Soccer Australia and the Saudi Arabian Soccer Federation in creating and producing future icons of our nice recreation.

“Together with Japan and Korea Republic, we want all 4 groups the easiest of success on the FIFA U-20 World Cup in Chile and we’re assured that they may stand proud with the world’s elite.”

The forty second version of the Continental youth showpiece was held in China for under the second time since its inception in 1959 and the AFC President additionally took the chance to applaud the Chinese language Soccer Affiliation and the Native Organising Committee for his or her internet hosting.

“Structured competitions are the lifeblood of growth and the AFC’s Imaginative and prescient and Mission has outlined our ambitions to make sure we proceed to organise prime stage competitions for our Member Associations to boost their requirements on the pitch,” added Shaikh Salman.

Contact the author of this story, Harry Ewing, at moc.l1741020775labto1741020775ofdlr1741020775owedi1741020775sni@g1741020775niwe.1741020775yrrah1741020775