The Hyundai A-League pathway driving Joeys’ FIFA U-17 World Cup™ tilt
We’re just a couple of days away from the Joeys’ first game at the FIFA U-17 World Cup™ in Brazil, which is the reward for two years of qualifiers, domestic camps and international friendlies.
It will be an unforgettable moment for Trevor Morgan and his 21-strong squad, who have come together from all over Australia – and across the world – for their shot at global glory.
While some of the Joeys squad ply their trade in Europe, the majority are based in Australia.
There is 15 of the current 21-player squad in Brazil that are aligned with clubs in the Hyundai A-League.
It is that grounding of elite, professional football in Australia that will ensure the side is ready to go for the opening group game against Ecuador on Sunday, (10am kick-off AEDT).
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Defender Jordan Courtney-Perkins has been cutting his teeth at Brisbane Roar, first working under John Aloisi and now current coach, and ex-Premier League star, Robbie Fowler.
“Now that I have good experienced players around me, it’s definitely somewhere where I can see my game developing to the next level,” he told socceroos.com.au.
“[It’s great] being able to follow my dream through my childhood club Brisbane.”
Exciting attacker Ali Auglah has been able to achieve his World Cup dream with the Joeys thanks to the environment at Western Sydney Wanderers which has seen has game develop immensely.
“We have very good coaches, a very good support base, technical director, physios,” he said.
“It’s very enjoyable for me to play with Western Sydney Wanderers. My football has improved a lot.”
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Melbourne City teen Idris Abdulahi added: “We have a great facility, probably one of the best in Australia.”
“The whole club is just a good place to improve as a player and as a person as well.”
The work of the Hyundai A-League clubs to ensure the players are at the top of their game has been ideal for Joeys boss Trevor Morgan heading into such a prestigious tournament.
“At the moment I’m very thankful that a lot of our players are in and around first-team football in domestic leagues in Australia,” he said.
“The education is varied and diverse but, at the same time, at the highest level.”
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Joeys group matches in Brazil
Ecuador v Australia
Date: Saturday, 26 October 2019
Venue: Estadio Olimpico, Goiania, Brazil
Kick-off: 8.00pm (local) – 10.00am (AEDT) Sunday, 27 October 2019
Broadcast: Live in Australia via SBS and theworldgame.sbs.com.au
Australia v Hungary
Date: Tuesday, 29 October 2019
Venue: Estadio Olimpico, Goiania, Brazil
Kick-off: 8.00pm (local) – 10.00am (AEDT) Wednesday, 30 October 2019
Broadcast: Live in Australia via SBS and theworldgame.sbs.com.au
Australia v Nigeria
Date: Friday, 1 November 2019
Venue: Estadio Bezerrao, Brasilia (Gama), Brazil
Kick-off: 5.00pm (local) – 7.00am (AEDT) Saturday, 2 November 2019
Broadcast: Live in Australia via SBS and theworldgame.sbs.com.au
