Joeys go down narrowly to Brazil

Posted June 24, 2011 10:42:00

Australia lost 1-0 to tournament heavyweight Brazil in its second match at the FIFA Under-17s World Cup in Mexico.

The defeat at Estadio Guadalajara in Mexico leaves the Joeys with one win and one loss in Group F, after they beat Ivory Coast 2-1 in their tournament opener.

Australia must now beat Denmark on Monday morning (AEST) to book a place in the knockout stage.

Three-time world champion Brazil was highly fancied coming into the clash, having crushed Denmark 3-0 in their opening clash.

But it was Australia that dominated the first half, with Jacob Melling controlling possession in midfield against a sluggish-looking Brazil side.

Promising striker Dylan Tombides looked especially dangerous in the opening stanza, with powerful shots on goal narrowly missing in the 17th and 36th minute.

In the second half, the South Americans stepped up a gear and looked certain to score in the 63rd minute when Marlon Bica's point-blank volley was miraculously deflected in front of goal by an Australian defender.

It took until the 74th minute for the deadlock to be broken, when rising star Adryan curled a free kick past Joeys goalkeeper Paul Izzo to hand Brazil the win.

Joeys coach Jan Versleijen applauded his team's effort against the Brazilians.

"We had some opportunities to score a goal, and as long as it's nil-nil you always get a small chance," he said.

"I think today the game was decided by giving away a free kick from the penalty area, and against the Brazilians you can almost imagine what the result is going to be."

-AAP

Tags: sport, football, socceroos, australia, brazil, mexico

Source: http://www.abc.net.au/news/stories/2011/06/24/3252539.htm

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