Australia 3 - New Zealand 1

Australia is through to the World Youth Cup, after a nail-biting finish to the second leg of the final OFC Qualifier against New Zealand, in Coffs Harbour tonight.

The LG Young Socceroos needed extra time to beat their trans-Tasman rivals, with young striker Scott McDonald providing the match-winner in the first period of extra time.

New Zealand took an unexpected lead in the 17th minute, captain Chris Killen on the end of a cross and beating keeper Jess Vanstrattan with a low shot.

It was all Australian attack from there however, with the assault finally paying off in the 37th minute, the ball played to Ahmad Elrich on the right wing, his cross finding Greg Owens waiting to slot the ball home for 1-1.

The LG Young Socceroos kept up the pressure in the second half, replacement Joshua Kennedy making his presence felt with a series of headers which tested the New Zealand keeper.

After several near misses, the Australians finally tied the aggregate score 2-1 in the 80th minute, captain Ljubo Milicevic pushing the ball into the back of the net, after a goal-mouth scramble from a Greg Owens corner.

With the full time score 2-1 to the Australian Under-20s - a replica of Wednesday night's first leg - the match went into extra time, with the LG Young Socceroos again dominating the play, and finally victorious, after Scott McDonald latched onto a pass from Luke Wilkshire, and made no mistake with a golden goal.

"Our aim was to qualify for this World Cup, and from that point of view that's what we've done and I'm glad we're there, so yes, I'm a very relieved man," said coach Ange Postecoglou after the match.

"The first half wasn't too bad, and while we conceded a silly goal, we totally dominated the play, so when we went into the break 1-1, I thought it was going to be one of those nights.

"We brought Joshua Kennedy on at half time because we thought he would do a good job under the conditions, the wind and the rain, and he did the job, he caused a lot of problems, Michael Ferrante did well in the first half, but we needed bodies in the box, and big Josh is good at that.

"At full time, the whole camp was positive that we would get the goal we needed - it wasn't like we were struggling, we were creating the chances, playing well, and we took the opportunity when it came up," Postecoglou continued.

"It was a great little finish by Scott McDonald who worked hard all game under difficult conditions, the ball was wet, it wasn't easy for the strikers to get into good positions, but he battled through the ninety minutes plus, and it paid off.

"Now we're going to Argentina, although I really haven't thought about that much to be honest, tonight is still sinking in, but it will be a great World Cup to go to, Argentina is a nation where they are very passionate about the game, and playing in front of the big crowds and stadiums will be a tremendous experience." he concluded.


written by Soccer Australia