Qantas Young Socceroos draw with Germany

The Qantas Young Socceroos have drawn 2-2 with the German U-21 Men’s National Team in Cyprus.

The Qantas Young Socceroos have drawn 2-2 with the German U-21 Men-s National Team in a modified (2 x 60-minute halves) training match at the Paralimni Municipal Stadium in Paralimni, Cyprus.

With both teams preparing for their respective upcoming international tournaments, both Head Coaches were eager to give as much game time to as many of their squad members as possible hence the unusually long playing periods and unlimited substitutions applied for this match.

The match kicked off in very hot conditions and Germany opened the scoring 15 minutes into the match.

Jamie Maclaren equalised for the Qantas Young Socceroos in the 35th minute with a fine left footed strike from outside the box that hit the inside of the left post and ricocheted into the goal.

The Qantas Young Socceroos took the lead midway through the second half after Connor Pain crossed from the left, into the box, and found Ryan Williams who positioned himself nicely and was able to flick the ball past the German goalkeeper.

Germany equalised with 10 minutes to go to seal the result.

Qantas Young Socceroos Head Coach Paul Okon was extremely pleased with his team-s performance against their older opposition.

“We played some very good football and dominated possession for large patches of the match, which was very pleasing against another top football nation,” said Okon

“The goals and result of the match was a just reward for the player-s efforts and application throughout the whole camp and their attitude has been first class.

“The 12-day camp has been a great start to our final preparation for Turkey. We now return home to give the players a well deserved short break before we come together in camp in Sydney next Friday and then prepare for the match against New Zealand on Monday 10 June,” concluded Okon.

Match Details Germany U-21 Men-s National Team 2 Qantas Young Socceroos 2 (Jamie Maclaren 35-, Ryan Edwards 94-) Friday 31 May 2013 Paralimni Stadium, Paralimni, Cyprus