We Are The Reds

AFC U16 championships kick off tomorrow.

As with the last versions the top 4 match the U17 WC.

We're lined up against Japan, Vietnam and Kyrgyzstan in the group stage.

Wow. Bottom of the group. What a disaster. If this isn't a massive wake up call nothing is. Hopefully this is a indication to the FFA that the CoE isn't so excellent.

Wow. Bottom of the group. What a disaster. If this isn't a massive wake up call nothing is. Hopefully this is a indication to the FFA that the CoE isn't so excellent.

I have always had my doubt about the CoE approach as it assumes you can identify the top youth nationally at 15, whereas due to the different development pace of players and the limited resources for "scouting" the CoE can undertake the end result is most of the best talent is missed.

They don't exactly carve up the NYL.

I wouldn't be too hung up about results at this level.
It's more about the tournament and being away from home experience for the kids.
I'd be more worried about results at the u20 level and above.

I wouldn't be too hung up about results at this level.
It's more about the tournament and being away from home experience for the kids.
I'd be more worried about results at the u20 level and above.

I think it depends on the results themselves though. I'd be comfortable with the side just missing out on the next round as a result or two just didn't go their way. But to be totally out classed by nations that would spend far far less on player development at this age is worrying.
Since the majority of the players come from the CoE I think it's fair to ask some serious questions on whether their approach is working.
I'd much rather see those kids able to stay at home with their families and have that funding divided up among federations or HAL clubs to develop young players themselves.

Maybe those nations spend more on development than you give them credit for. Also they are not competing for limited funds with a number of other sports.

Agree though that there may be better ways of using limited resources.

Maybe those nations spend more on development than you give them credit for. Also they are not competing for limited funds with a number of other sports.

Agree though that there may be better ways of using limited resources.

That's fair enough although I'd be very surprised if Kyrgyzstan is spending anywhere near what we are.
Australia has always had the issue of multiple sports fighting for funding so I don't think that's an excuse considering previous NT squads have done far better in the past.

2019 Under 17 WC

Australia started with a 1-2 loss to Ecuador and a 2-2 draw with Hungary. So they needed a surprise win against Nigeria (traditionally a powerhouse at U17 WC level), to progress to the round of 16 as one of the best 3rd placed teams. Well they got it, winning 2-1.

Well done to the young lads.

France up next.

Three of the four AFC sides are in the round of 16 (South Korea, Japan and us) with only Tajikistan missing out, though they still came third in their group (Cameroon came 4th).

France will be difficult. They won their three group games (scoring 7, conceding 1), including beating Chile 2-0 and South Korea 3-1. If we were to win this it would be a huge shock.