Young Socceroos fail to make World Cup

Australia’s hopes of qualifying for next year’s FIFA U-20 World Cup in South Korea have been dashed following a 0-0 draw with Tajikistan in Bahrain on Saturday morning (AEDT).

The result saw a 10-man Young Socceroos unit bundled out in the group stage of the AFC U-19 Championship which served as a qualifying campaign.

Depleted of some overseas stars, the Aussie side needed a win to advance to the Quarter Finals but were held goalless by a resolute Tajik side.

Australia certainly had their chances against a resolute defence, and were awarded a penalty in the fifth minute for handball in the box.

Despite Anthony Kalik driving his effort into the bottom left corner, the goalkeeper guessed the right way and was able to make an excellent diving save.

It was one-way traffic as the half progressed, with Jake Brimmer forcing the keeper to tip the ball over the bar with a curling long range effort.

Australia thought they had the goal they craved just after the interval when Lachlan Scott was able to bundle the ball into the back of the net but he was controversially ruled offside.

Substitute George Blackwood carved out an opening when he was able to beat the offside trap but unfortunately he sent his shot across the face of goal.

The 2010 runners-up were denied again when a fierce shot from Kalik was followed up by Joseph Champness but the keeper was again able to make a fingertip save.

dejavu watching youngsocceroos..... how these asian countries can play the way they do and somehow get results is unbelievable
— Stefan Mauk (@StefanMauk) October 21, 2016

The task became more difficult when Kalik was shown a red card for a second bookable offence and while the Aussies continued to toil with 10-men they were unable to break the deadlock.

The result meant that Tajikistan progressed at Australia’s expense, with the prize of a place at next year’s FIFA U-20 World Cup in Korea Republic also alluding Ufuk Talay’s side.

"It was a one-sided game," said assistant coach Mark Rudan post-match.

"We had a penalty in the fifth minute and if we had scored, the whole game would have changed.

“We created enough opportunities to win two or three games today and we just didn't finish them off. That's what's disappointing.

"Otherwise we executed the game plan. I feel for the players in the dressing room because they deserved to go to the next round and hopefully it's a learning curve for the players."

Uzbekistan topped Group D with seven points, with Tajikistan edging Australia on goal difference to progress with four points.

Young Socceroos out of the World Cup after losing to Uzbekistan and Tajikistan. Many top Euro-based players not released by their clubs.
— Les Murray (@lesmurraySBS) October 21, 2016