Tough day for Under 13 Boys in Malaysia

It was a mixed day two for the Australian U13 Boys team at the AFC U13 Boys Festival of Football being played in Sabah, Malaysia.

It was a mixed day two for the Australian U13 Boys team at the AFC U13 Boys Festival of Football being played in Sabah, Malaysia.

The development tournament played between most countries with the Asean region of the Asian Football Confederation saw Australia win one game and lose two narrowly.

The first match of the day was against Myanmar, which like day one was a tight contest, played in humid conditions and both teams playing in a positive manner.

Myanmar defensively pressured high and tested the capabilities of the Australians to play out from the back, which they handled well on most occasions. Against the run of play two defensive lapses did lead to goals; however the boys showed good character and composure to continue to play passing Football and positive Football, which to date has been a highlight.

Conor O-Neill was dangerous up front and was unlucky not to be awarded a goal after a well timed run and strike on goal. Leo Athanasiou, Ben Hombert and Jordan Brown were busy and worked tirelessly in the midfield.

A levelling goal by Vincent Giannini brought the Australians back in the game, but unluckily conceded in the dying minutes, to go down 2-1.

In terms of the quality of football, our second match of the day against Thailand was arguably the game of the tournament to date. Both teams produced some excellent passages of play and individual players showcased their outstanding balls skills and creativity.

Australia dominated the early passages of play and missed a few well created and manicured chances. Thailand responded well and came into the game scoring an opportunistic goal from a goal mouth scramble.

The Australian-s came back in a matter of minutes with a brilliantly taken goal by Brandon Lundy after some outstanding lead up play by Richard Blanco, who shone for the Australians in the midfield. Lundy turned with a sublime touch and rocketed a shot past the Thai keeper from an acute angle.

The Australian midfield was impressive against a strong Thailand midfield, keeping possession well, creating good opportunities in the front third and working tirelessly in defence.

A 25-yard strike sealed it for the Thais in the final minutes. An impressive performance by both squads and a game played in the right spirit.

The third and final match of the day was dominated from start to finish by Australia. Producing some delightful football in terms of combination play and one touch football they attacked with real purpose.

In the 12 minute Noah Chianese finished off a great team move that started in the back third with some composed and decisive build up play. The ball ended up wide, with O-Neill delivering the telling cross for Chianese to put away at the far post.

Chianese doubled the lead with his second after a delightful chip following good play by Captain Jaiden Walker who slipped the ball through.

The Australian team played some decisive football and were moving the ball all around the park delighting the crowd with their fluent display, even on a pitch that was not conducive to such play.

In the final minute a penalty was awarded for Vietnam which they failed to take full advantage of and ultimately ended in Jordan Thurtell clearing the danger. This was a comfortable and well deserved result by the Australian team in very hot and dry playing conditions.

The final match also saw Australia awarded its first Green Card for excellent sporting behaviour.

Match Details - Day

AUSTRALIA 1 (Vincent Giannini 23) MYANMAR 2

Australian Line-up - Jordan Thurtell (gk), Christopher Skull, Aiden Naughton, Ben Warland, Jaiden Walker (c), Jordan Brown, Ben Hombert, Vincent Giannini, Leo Athanasiou, Noah Chianese, Conor O-Neill.

AUSTRALIA 1 (Brandon Lundy 10-) THAILAND 2

Australian Line-up: Nabi Tuna (gk), Richard Blanco, Thomas Beadling (c) , Milos Ridesic, Matthew Ntoumenopoulos, Kevin Ly, Dimitar Mitkov, Jerome Dunphy, Jordan Nadalin, Daniel De Silva, Brandon Lundy.

AUSTRALIA 2 (Noah Chianese 12-/23-) VIETNAM 0

Australian Line-up - Jordan Thurtell (gk), Christopher Skull, Aiden Naughton, Ben Warland, Jaiden Walker (c), Jordan Brown, Ben Hombert, Vincent Giannini, Leo Athanasiou, Noah Chianese, Conor O-Neill.