Tue, 30 Nov, -0001
Bangkok: Coach Tony Vidmar insists Australia can now play with less pressure in the semi-finals of the AFC U-16 Championship after a 2-1 quarter-final win against Malaysia secured qualification the 2015 FIFA U-17 World Cup.
Goals from strikers Cameron Joice and Daniel Maskin secured victory over Malaysia at a stifling hot Muangthong Stadium on Sunday.
And with Australia's return to the last four of the AFC U-16 Championship for the first time since 2010 secured along with a place at next year's FIFA U-17 World Cup in Chile, Vidmar is now hoping his side can now relax ahead of Wednesday's semi-final.
"The goal was to reach the World Cup playing good, attacking-based possession football," said Vidmar (pictured).
"We still have a lot to learn and can be naïve, but we have 12 months of preparation for the World Cup now.
"I think we have less pressure going into the semis. We can try and play our game with no pressure and expectations."
Australia beat Japan 4-2 in their final Group B game to top the table, although Vidmar had been unhappy with the level of performance following earlier wins over China and Hong Kong.
"We knew what to expect from Malaysia, that they would let us have possession and not press us," added Vidmar after seeing his side maintain their 100% record with a fourth consecutive win.
"We improved in bits and pieces from the Japan game and at times kept possession well, but we also turned it over too cheaply at times and made unforced errors which gave them chances.
"We struggled with the heat in the first half. I felt it was the hottest it's been yet."
A first-half strike from Kogileswaran Raj had given first time quarter-finalists Malaysia the lead, but after Joice to equalised before half-time, Maskin netted the winner with 15 minutes remaining.
"We all wanted to make the World Cup and have worked very hard over the past two years so the players are disappointed," said Malaysia coach Balachandran Sithamparam.
"But I'm very happy with their performance in the tournament. We are technically sound and not far from where we want to be, but we need to improve our discipline.
"It was tough to play Australia, but we played well, had attacks and could have got a draw. We played technically very well. I am very happy and very proud of the boys.
"I'll take a long break and spend some time with my family as the past two years have been very busy. Then, I will start working on the next training programme. We will stay together and try to get stronger over the next two years."