Tue, 30 Nov, -0001
Ras Al Khaimah: Having achieved the initial target of qualification to the 2013 FIFA World Cup following Sunday's quarter-final victory over Jordan, Australia boss Paul Okon has said the Young Socceroos have their sights firmly set on winning the 2012 AFC U-19 Championship.
A Corey Gameiro hat-trick inspired Australia to a clinical 3-0 triumph over Jordan and after giving his players a moment to bask in their victory it's now back to work for the Aussies starting with preparations for an intriguing semi-final with a spirited Iraq.
"We celebrated our entry into next year's FIFA U-20 World Cup yesterday and travelled back from Fujairah to Ras Al Khaimah but today it is business as usual," said the much-travelled Okon, who has had spells with clubs in Belgium, Italy, England, Cyprus and his native Australia during his playing career
"Our medical staff assessed the team and we have the whole squad fit to play tomorrow.
"The feeling of the players now is different. After achieving our first goal, our sights have switched to continental glory. All of my players are charged for tomorrow's match and there won't be any lack of motivations."
Okon's charges will face an equally motivated Iraq side at the Emirates Club Stadium and the former Australia international is well aware of what the West Asians can bring to the table.
"They were based in Fujairah and I saw a couple of matches they have played and I am not surprised that they are in the semi-final," he said.
"They have a good bunch of individual players and their teamwork is very good so we are expecting a difficult semi-final."