Qantas Young Socceroos make semi finals

The Qantas Young Socceroos (Australian U20 Men’s team) have finished first in their group at the Terborg Toernooi after a draw and a win in their final groups games played overnight.

The Qantas Young Socceroos (Australian U20 Men-s team) have finished first in their group at the Terborg Toernooi after a draw and a win in their final groups games played overnight.

The team will now play Dutch giants Ajax Amsterdam in the 2nd semi final for the right to play in the final against either Liverpool or Atletico Mineiro.

The first game was a tight affair against Brazilian side Atletico Mineiro, which finished 0-0. The match was notable for the red card issued to Daniel Mullen late in the game.

Australia-s best chance of the game came in the 35th minute, following a succession of corners, with Luke DeVere putting his open header over the bar from inside the 6-yard box.

Knowing a win would guarantee them a place in the semi finals, Australia knew it wasn-t going to be easy against De Graafschap, who had played out three 0-0 draws in their previous matches.

So it proved until the 26th minute, when Sydney FC-s Kofi Danning did brilliantly on the left edge of the penalty area and crossed to Aaron Mooy, who once again showed great composure in front of goal with a terrific left foot shot into the top corner.

Australia wrapped up the match in the 32nd minute, as Danning played the ball inside to Dutch-based midfielder James Holland, who beat one defender before rounding the keeper and finishing off.

Ajax is undefeated in the tournament to date, with one win and three draws in their four group matches. That match will kick-off at 8.50pm AEST with the final or 3rd/4th place play-off due for kick-off around midnight.

For a full list of results, finals draw and table go to http://www.terborgtoernooi.nl/voetbaltoernooi/index.php?speelschema

Game 1

Australia 0 Atletico Mineiro 0

Australian line-up: Andrew Redmayne, Daniel Mullen, Luke DeVere, Ryan McGowan, Matthew Jurman, James Holland, Mitch Nichols, Thomas Oar (Rocco Visconte 30-), Oliver Bozanic, Robert Stambolziev (Tahj Minniecon 20-), Kofi Danning

Red Card: Daniel Mullen (36-)

Game 2

Australia 2 (Aaron Mooy 26-, James Holland 32-) De Graafschap 0

Australian line-up: Mark Birighitti (gk), Luke DeVere, Ryan McGowan, Matthew Jurman, Tahj Minniecon (Thomas Oar 28-), James Holland, Mitch Nichols, Aaron Mooy, Rhyan Grant, Rocco Visconte, Kofi Danning (Isaka Cernak 38-)