Qantas Young Socceroos well placed to claim Weifang Cup
The Qantas Young Socceroos are one win away from claiming the six-team Weifang Cup after a 5-3 win overnight against top Chinese club side Shandong Luneng.
After four matches Australia are one point ahead of host nation China on the tournament table having recorded three wins and a loss. Australia meet Uzbekistan tomorrow in the final match with the Uzbeks on six points equal with Iran.
Shandong Luneng came from two goals down to be level 2-2 at half time however Australia dominated the second half scoring three unanswered goals until the home side grabbed a late consolation to complete the scoring.
Australian goalscorers were James Holland (pictured), Isaka Cernak-Okanya, Bonel Obradovic, Jason Hoffman and a penalty from Richard Greer.
The tournament is the first international outing for the current generation of Young Socceroos. Qualification for the 2009 FIFA World Youth Cup will commence in October with the first stage of qualifying to be followed next year by the AFC U-19 Championship.
Match Details:
Australia 5 (James Holland 2-, Isaka Cernak-Okanya 18-, Bonel Obradovic 57-, Jason Hoffman 72- Richard Greer 76- pen).
Shandong Luneng 3 (28,- 44-, 87- pen)
Australian line-up: Andrew Redmayne (gk); Luke De Vere (Matthew Jurman 59-), Sebastian Ryall, Richard Greer, James Holland (Matthew Harper 69-), Isaka Cernak-Okanya (Tahj Minniecon 77-), Bonel Obradovic, Alex Sunasky, Milos Lujic (Jason Hoffman 50-), Matthew Theodore, Daniel Mullen (Ante Cicak 75-)
The Qantas Young Socceroos squad to compete in the Weifang Cup, July 27 - August 4, is:
Luke De Vere, Dane Milovanovic, James Holland, Ante Cicak, Daniel Mullen, James Brown, Richard Greer, Tahj Minniecon (AIS/Queensland Roar), Jerrad Tyson, Bonel Obradovic, Milos Lujic, Sebastian Ryall, Andrew Redmayne (AIS/Central Coast Mariners), Matthew Mullen (AIS/Adelaide United), Alex Sunasky, Matthew Theodore, Isaka Cernak-Okanya, Matthew Jurman, Matthew Harper, Jason Hoffman (uncontracted) * All players AIS-based unless stated otherwise
Australia v Korean Republic 1-0 (Matt Mullen)
Australia v Iran 4-1 (James Holland 8-, 76-, Milos Lujic 26-, 89-) Sunday 29 July
Australia v China 0-1 Tuesday 31 July
Australia v Shandong Luneng 5-3 (James Holland 2-, Isaka Cernak-Okanya 18-, Bonel Obradovic 57-, Jason Hoffman 72- Richard Greer 76- pen). Thursday 2 August
Australia v Uzbekistan Saturday 4 August * All matches to be played in Weifang