Bernardo determined to put frustrating few months behind him

Bernardo is hoping to put a frustrating previous couple of months behind him.

The mercurial forward suffered an injury in September last year, fracturing his fifth metatarsal, while on international duty with the Subway Young Socceroos in Spain.

READ MORE: How to watch Australia at the AFC U-20 Asian Cup Uzbekistan 2023™
READ MORE: Yull looking forward to representing Australia for first time
READ MORE: Madanha honoured after Australia U-20s call-up

But despite his lack of first-team football recently, Bernardo’s quality is unquestionable, with Australia U-20 Head Coach Trevor Morgan naming him in the squad bound for the AFC U-20 Asian Cup Uzbekistan 2023™ which begins on 1 March.

The Adelaide United talent, who featured for the Young Reds in the local NPL SA at the weekend, is determined to make up for lost time.

“It was obviously very frustrating,” Bernardo admitted about the injury to Football Australia Media.

“I've also missed half the season of the A-League and it's obviously frustrating.

“But now that I'm getting back into it, and I've been called up for the Young Socceroos, it's an honour to be representing Australia again and doing what I do for the country, and to be able to play in big tournaments.”

Despite being one of the younger players in the squad at the age of 18, Bernardo happens to have some of the most experience.

The attacker accumulated 26 appearances in all competitions for the Reds last year, scoring three goals and played in all three of the club’s Australia Cup 2022 games. 

This is also not the first tournament Bernardo has experienced. He alongside Josh Rawlins were both involved for the Subway Olyroos at the AFC U-23 Asian Cup last year which incidentally was held in Uzbekistan.

That previous knowledge to draw upon is something Bernardo believes can only be beneficial nine months later.

“I mean, having played more senior matches in the A-League and also travelling with the Olyroos it gives you experience,” he explained.

“Like seeing the older boys coming down, playing in the Olyroos as well, the way they lead the games, the way they try to play.

“Obviously, senior experience helps out with everything in general, like game smarts.”

Australia have been pitted in a tough group containing Vietnam, Iran and Qatar.

While the Aussies will be going in with the mindset of winning the tournament, a semi-final appearance, or top-four finish, will secure qualification to the FIFA U-20 World Cup Indonesia 2023™ in May.

Bernardo, who has also represented the Subway Joeys at youth level, is confident they have the squad to fulfil their objectives.

“That's always the goal to go through and qualify for the World Cup,” said Bernardo, son of Brazilian and former Reds defender, Cássio.

“Because that's always the goal of the tournament, but we have a strong team and you know, a strong group of individuals in the squad that we can push through and qualify for the under 20 World Cup.”

All Subway Young Socceroos’ AFC U20 Asian Cup Uzbekistan 2023™ matches will be streamed live and free on 10 Play, with expert commentary by Teo Pellizzeri.

Subway Young Socceroos Match Schedule – AFC Asian Cup Uzbekistan 2023™

Subway Young Socceroos Squad | AFC Asian Cup Uzbekistan 2023™ | 1 – 18 March