After yesterday’s rain-induced challenges the schedule is set for a shining afternoon of semi-final football at National Youth Championships for Boys.
Championship management have worked around the clock to reschedule matches and deliver semi-final fixtures featuring the best youth players in Australia.
Teams progressing beyond the group stages include:
14-year groups
- Queensland White
- West Australia Black
- Victoria Blue
- Northern NSW Black (best second placed team)
15-year groups
- Queensland White
- West Australia Black
- NSW Metro White
- Victoria Blue (best second placed team)
Semi-finals details
4:00pm - 14s semi-finals
- Queensland White v Northern NSW Black - Field 1
- Western Australia Black v Victoria Blue - Field 2
5:20pm - 15s semi-finals
- Queensland White v Victoria Blue - Field 1
- Western Australia Black v NSW Metro White - Field 2
Electric end to day three
The energised atmosphere at matches played on synthetics was a positive side-effect of the rain disruption. Supporters cheered on their teams as semi-final slots were up for grabs.
Northern NSW Football’s heroic 3-0 win over Victoria in 14A stopped Joey Didulica’s team’s finals aspirations and claimed a semi-final spot as the best second placed team.
The two teams were evenly matched in the first half but as the whistle blew for the final term Northern NSW Football stepped up a gear scoring three unanswered goals. Leading the charge was Haine Eames with a thunderbolt goal from 30 meters piquing the interest of talent observers.
Peter Haynes, Head of Football at Northern NSW Football said “The crowd was buzzing after the match! These players have had an impressive championship and our performance was reflective of this. Haine Eames strike for the second goal was simply outstanding and an indicator of what a special talent he is. It is so great to see these young players taking the opportunity to showcase their talents amongst the best from across Australia.”
On the attack and undefeated
Queensland White (15B) take the title as the only undefeated team going into the finals. Scoring a whopping 20 plus goals in the group stages their attacking brand of football will be one to watch as the championships continue.
Coach Jason Maguire speaks glowingly of his team’s courage and mental preparation as the key to success.
“Our one-Queensland approach created a tight group that have exceeded expectations. The players feel and play without any kind of fear. They know we support them to play with instinct because they are technically sound. Their football IQ is impressive so they're able to implement a good game plan.”
Maguire believes teams managing the high-pressure moments will have an edge in semi-finals.
“It comes down to how players manage their emotions. One thing that we have done from the start is focus on self-discipline and expressing yourself through instinct. Expressing yourself in that footballing moment,” Maguire said.
Explainer: How the finals series works
C.eX International Stadium will host semi-final matches from 12:00PM on Thursday. The leading teams in each group automatically progress and the second placed team with the highest cumulative points tally will also progress.
Ramsey Vane-Wood explains the points tally is determined by a range of factors to ensure the process is equitable.
“We calculate the points tally with a combination of goals scored, penalties scored, goals conceded and number of cards. The method has been developed by Football Australia with equity and quality match ups in mind,” Vane-Wood said
Key National Youth Championships Information
