Australia coach Paul Okon is confident the Young Socceroos can qualify for the knockout stage of the 2013 FIFA U-20 World Cup despite a disappointing 2-1 loss to El Salvador.
The Young Socceroos followed up their impressive 1-1 Group C draw with Colombia with a morale-sapping loss to the Central American side, which had never before enjoyed victory at a major FIFA tournament outside of beach soccer.
Midfielder Josh Brillante opened the scoring for Australia in just the ninth minute with a stunning strike from 30 yards before Diego Coca and Jose Pena responded for El Salvador before half-time to grab a crucial win.
The loss means Australia’s tournament hopes rest on the result of its final group match against host Turkey at Trabzon’s Huseyin Avni Aker Stadium on Saturday AEST.
“Out attitude was good,” Okon said.
“We got an early goal, which we spoke about, and we gave away a cheap goal. Against good opposition at a World Cup you can’t do that.
“I thought we had enough possession to come up with something, especially in the second half. We made two defensive mistakes. The cheap first goal to give away was disappointing.
“The effort was superb and although we are disappointed we move on and try and win our last game.”
“Unfortunately we kept the lead for only eight minutes … then it becomes a bit of a battle, when they get on even terms.
“The effort and application was there, and we just lacked that ability to find something in the final third. That’s what you need when you’re chasing the game.”
“If we beat Turkey, we get to four points and there’s still an opportunity to qualify.”
Newcastle Jets midfielder Brillante said it was a disappointing day despite his incredible goal – one of the best of the tournament so far.
“We played some good football so hopefully we can look forward to the match against Turkey and get a result there,” he said.
“We had more possession today but in the attacking third we were not as clinical.
“It’s great goal to score but I’d rather take the win any day.”
Source: AAP.
