Thu, 28 Oct, 2021
Kunshan: Thomas Deng is hoping Australia can learn the lessons of their disappointing showing at the 2016 AFC U23 Championship to put on a much more impressive performance at this year’s championship when they kick off their Group D campaign against Syria on Thursday in Kunshan.
“That was my first involvement with the Olyroos and it was a real eye-opener, especially playing in Asia and against other national teams,” said Deng (pictured above, No 20) of the 2016 campaign. “That was good and it’s taught me a lot about what to expect, how to deal with things here.
“We have a good squad here, a good group of boys and we’re looking forward to the competition. We have a very good team, some very good players and we’re really looking forward to it and hopefully we can start with a win against Syria and have a successful campaign.”
Australia’s status as one of the strongest nations in the Confederation – thanks to their AFC Asian Cup win in 2015 and four consecutive FIFA World Cup qualifications – ensures theirs is a significant scalp for many opponents.
But despite teams often raising their game to face Australia, Deng insists he and his teammates relish the challenge.
Thu, 28 Oct, 2021
Kunshan: Goals from Nicholas Cowburn and Stefan Mauk secured Australia a 2-1 win over Thailand in their final warm-up match ahead of the AFC U23 Championship 2018 China which kicks-off on Tuesday.
Newcastle Jets defender Cowburn scored the first goal in the eighth minute, after Aleksandar Susnjar’s header rebounded off the bar. Cowburn was in a perfect position to slot home.
At half-time, head coach Ante Milicic made five changes to the team, and just seven minutes after the restart, substitute Mauk doubled their lead with a superb finish.
Supachok Sarachat narrowed the deficit in the 70th minute for Thailand but an equaliser eluded the young War Elephants.
Thailand are grouped with DPR Korea, Japan and Palestine in Group B, while Australia face Korea Republic, Syria and Vietnam in Group D of the AFC U23 Championship 2018.
Photo: The Football Association of Thailand
Thu, 28 Oct, 2021
Kuala Lumpur: Australia coach Ante Milicic believes the Socceroos’ qualification for the FIFA World Cup in Russia later this year will give his players added incentive to perform to their maximum when they take to the field at the AFC U23 Championship 2018 in China.
The Australians have been drawn in Group D to face Syria, Vietnam and Korea Republic and will be looking to advance beyond the group phase after crashing out in the first round of the competition in 2016.
And Milicic is confident a strong showing by his players this month could see some of his squad press their case for inclusion in Australia’s squad for the biggest show of all in June.
“The Australian mentality is always to go out and win, and to do well,” he told www.the-afc.com.
“We are very comfortable with the squad that we have and we think a big advantage that we have with this group is that our senior national team have qualified for the FIFA World Cup, so there is a lot of motivation for these players to perform well and to push for Russia.
“Motivation is high within the squad. We believe that if we play our style, and play to our best, we can put in some good, consistent performances throughout the Championship.”
Thu, 28 Oct, 2021
Changzhou: With 2018 now upon us, the Asian Football Confederation is just over a week away from its first tournament of the year as the AFC U23 Championship in China begins on January 9, ahead of which we look at the 16 competing teams, starting with Group A.
China PR
Best finish: Group stage (2014, 2016)
How they qualified: As hosts
Thu, 28 Oct, 2021
Jiangyin: Only seven days remain until the AFC U23 Championship China 2018 kicks off and the-AFC.com continues its profile of the 16 teams with the four sides in Group B, where defending champions Japan are among the contenders.
Japan
Best finish: Champions (2016)
How they qualified: Runners-up – Group J
Thu, 28 Oct, 2021
Changshu: The countdown to the AFC U23 Championship China 2018 continues as the-AFC.com profiles the four participating teams in Group C, where inaugural winners Iraq are placed alongside Jordan, Saudi Arabia and Malaysia.
Iraq
Best finish: Champions (2014)
How they qualified: Winners – Group B
Thu, 28 Oct, 2021
Kunshan: As the AFC U23 Championship China 2018 edges ever closer, the-AFC.com rounds off its profiles of the 16 teams gunning for continental glory by taking a closer look at the four sides in Group D.
Korea Republic
Best finish: Runners-up (2016)
How they qualified: Winners – Group I