The Subway Young Socceroos have made history by clinching the AFC Under-20 Asian Cup for the very first time.
Australia’s Under-20 team, making their first appearance in an Asian Cup final since 2010, triumphed over Saudi Arabia in a thrilling penalty shoot-out, winning 5-4 after the match ended in a 1-1 draw following extra time in China.
Of the 23 players who have etched their names in history, 17 are currently playing in the A-Leagues, with all squad members having spent time at an A-Leagues club.
In the clash against Saudi Arabia, five talents from the Isuzu UTE A-League took to the field: Joshua Inserra (Melbourne Victory), Panagiotis Kikianis (Adelaide United), Luka Jovanovic (Adelaide United), Alex Badolato (Melbourne Victory, on loan from Western Sydney Wanderers), and Zach Lisolajski (Perth Glory). Additionally, Jonny Yull (Adelaide United), Frans Deli (Macarthur Bulls), Lucas Herrington (Brisbane Roar), Fabian Talladira (Adelaide United), Tiago Quintal (Sydney FC), and Jaylan Pearman (Perth Glory) contributed off the bench.
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Former Sydney FC talent Louis Agosti, now with Perugia in Italy, handed the history-making Young Socceroos an early lead in Shenzhen, before Saudi Arabia equalised in the second half.
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Steven Hall, an Adelaide United product currently playing for Brighton and Hove Albion in England, became the hero of the penalty shoot-out by saving Bassam Hazazi’s attempt, allowing the Young Socceroos to lift the Asian Cup trophy.
In addition to their AFC success, Trevor Morgan’s squad has also qualified for the 2025 FIFA U20 World Cup for the first time in 12 years.
Featured Image: Football Australia
Compiled by SportArena.com.au.
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