For the first time since 2010, the Subway Young Socceroos have qualified for the AFC Under-20 Asian Cup, triumphing over Japan with a 2-0 victory.
After A-Leagues graduate Musa Toure netted the opening goal, Perth Glory star Jaylan Pearman struck from the edge of the box, marking Australia’s first appearance in the AFC U20 Men’s tournament in 15 years.
In Saturday’s final, the Young Socceroos will face Saudi Arabia as they chase their maiden U20 Asian Cup title.
“It’s an unreal feeling,” Pearman expressed after the match via Football Australia. “To be the group that achieves this after such a long wait is simply amazing.”
The Young Socceroos have the chance to make history against Saudi Arabia, with Pearman stating, “I’m so excited. Regardless of which team we face, we’re always prepared.”
Pearman needed just four minutes on the pitch to make his mark, saying, “I was warming up, and they told me to be ready. I guess I was!”
“I actually turned my head as it went in because I thought the keeper had saved it, and then I realised he fumbled it,” he added with a smile.
The opening goal came from former Adelaide United talent Musa Toure, now with Randers in Denmark, who side-footed the ball home just four minutes into the second half in China.
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Reds star Jonny Yull provided the assist for Toure, while six A-Leagues players were featured in the starting XI: the Adelaide quartet of Yull, Luka Jovanovic, Panagiotis Kikianis, and Fabian Talladira, Macarthur Bulls’ Frans Deli, and Melbourne Victory loanee Alex Badolato. Meanwhile, Pearman, Macarthur’s Oliver Randazzo, and Sydney FC’s Tiago Quintal also made appearances from the bench.
The Young Socceroos faced a close call when Japan struck the crossbar just after the hour mark.
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Pearman, who has been linked with QPR in the EFL Championship, made an immediate impact after being subbed in, as his deflected long-range shot confirmed Australia’s spot in the final.
Featured image: Football Australia
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