Four Member Federations will be represented on the final day of the National Youth Championships 2024 Boys’ Tournament following a thrilling day of action at WIN Stadium, Wollongong.
Despite the near gale force winds, it was the players who blew the roof off WIN Stadium with come from behind victories, penalty shootouts and last-minute goals highlighting a wonderful showcase of football.
While only four teams are still in contention for the national title, the remaining teams will feature in playoff and placement matches to determine their overall position in the tournament.
Grand-Finalists Confirmed
Victoria Blue (1st, Group A) will have a chance to defend their title against a red-hot South Australia (1st, Group D) side in the Under 15 Final at 11.50am AEST at WIN Stadium.
Queensland White (2nd, Group B) will then come up against NSW Metro Sky (2nd, Group C) in the Under 16 Age Group Final at 1.15pm AEST also at WIN Stadium.
Prior to the Finals, the third-place playoff matches will take place between Victoria White and NSW Metro Sky (8:30am AEST) in the Under 15 Age Group, before Northern NSW and Victoria Blue (9.55am) battle for third place in the Under 16 Age Group.
The Official Closing Ceremony will begin at the conclusion of the Finals with the Referees, Goalkeepers and Players of the Tournament announced for both divisions.
South Australian firepower sinks Navy
Having been one of the form sides of the Under 15 Age Group, South Australia has deservedly secured their place in the Final with an emphatic 3-0 victory over NSW Metro Navy.
Coming up against the defensively strong NSW Metro Navy, who had previously conceded zero goals in their past four matches, the strike power of South Australia proved too strong as they cruised into tomorrow’s decider.
Averaging four goals per game and boasting Under 15’s top goal scorer Chris Irakoze (10 goals so far), the South Australian’s have been difficult to contain for the duration of the competition.
Captain of the side, Sajjad Nasiri, said their team comradery and belief in their ability is contributing to their success.
“The most important thing is the sticking to our game plan as we want to play the same each game and play the way we like to play,” Nasiri said.
“We want to keep the ball and keep pressure on the goal. We can't attack the space if we don’t have the ball, so we like to keep it and dominate.”
South Australia will come up against Victoria Blue in the Under 15 Final and Nasiri isn’t fazed by playing last year’s National Youth Championships Boys’ Tournament Under 15 victors.
“It’s amazing to be playing in the Final,” Nasiri said.
“Victoria will be a tough game, but like if we stick to our process we’ll be ok.
“We deserve to be here, so who we play doesn’t matter. It’s our first year here and the first time playing for South Australia for a lot of us, so to win would be amazing.”
No obstacle too big for resilient Queensland White
When the full-time siren sounded at the end of the first Under 16 Semi-Final at WIN Stadium, it was clear how much it meant to Queensland White.
A sea of Queenslanders flooded the field to celebrate their defiant side qualifying for the Final despite facing an uphill battle.
Staring down a 2-0 deficit midway through the second half, Queensland recorded two quick-fire goals to level the scores heading into the final 10 minutes.
As the minutes ticked down the match looked to be heading to penalties, but up stepped Isaac Cookson, who put the Queensland side in front and sent them to tomorrow’s decider.
For Queensland White Head Coach, Alec Wilson, it’s the never say die attitude in the that’s ingrained in his side that makes proud to be their coach.
“You see this playing group and the comradery between them and what it means to them. I think we've got a very special group here, they just don't give up,” Wilson said.
“It's been evident through the whole event that they don't know when they're done, they’re just never done, and to come back from 2-0 down is proof of that.
“I think the group will be disappointed by the first half, but to roll over the top from 2-0 down and to make it 3-2 at the death. You can't ask for much more.”
One game at a time was the approach ahead of the tournament and now only one game stands between Wilson’s self-proclaimed underdog side and flying home with silverware.
“I think as a coach you sit there before you come away to these tournaments and you think, yeah, if we get out the group there's a chance,” Wilson explained.
“And then once you're in the knockout stages these things come alive and it's going to be an enjoyable experience for everybody involved.
“I know the parents are just as proud as the players are at their performances. So today is about recovery and to get ourselves ready to turn up tomorrow.”
More on the 2024 National Youth Boys’ Championships:
CLICK HERE to view the updated fixtures due to bad weather
CLICK HERE to view the Official National Youth Championships 2024 Boys’ Tournament Digital Program with Fixtures
CLICK HERE to watch* the National Youth Championships 2024 Boys’ Tournament thanks to Kommunity TV (*subscription required)
CLICK HERE to view the live tables and results
