The Young Socceroo midfielder returns to Australia on Tuesday morning with the rest of the squad. And while no doubt disappointed after the loss in Zibo, Antonis’s assured performance is good news for the next U/20 campaign – and his ailing club side Sydney FC.

Antonis started the biggest game of the tournament on Sunday night and caught the eye with his vision, confidence and physical strength against a compact Korean side.

To play him for the first 80 minutes was a vote of confidence from Young Roos coach Jan Versleijen and the sky blue starlet didn’t let his nation down.

“The games have been great, such a real high tempo which you have to learn quickly to adapt. I’ve really enjoyed the experience of life in China and also to see the different styles of football,” Antonis told au.fourfourtwo.com.

A hat-trick to Korean striker Jong Il-gwan, with his winning goal in the dying minutes of regulation time after a fumble from Aussie keeper Mark Birighitt, decided the contest after a double from Young Socceroo star Kerem Bulut had raised green and gold hopes.

Bulut claimed the tournament’s Golden Boot Award with a total of seven goals, but was substituted late in the final.

“I look up to all the older boys, to see how they prepare for games and how they approach training,” added Antonis, who wasn’t the only 16-year-old in the squad.

AIS player Ryan Edwards will also be eligible for the next U/20 cycle and has gained valuable experience with this group of players.

“I have had the opportunity to learn from the likes of Leckie, Oar, Kantarovski, and Kofi. It's an unbelievable experience to be a part of this team as the youngest player in the squad and to have already qualified for the World Cup (in Colombia) next year,” he told au.fourfourtwo.com.

 “I'm just taking it all in and focusing on becoming better each day.”