Subject: U20 Australia NT Discussion

I got a message from Declan Keith's manager and he is keen to train him properly, so will advise him.

That is pretty good news, as long as he'll do, I mean

Evening all

Last weekend we continued our winning run with a good 3-2 win over Ireland U20. It was a close match, 50%-ish possession, so was very proud of our team, with a few second-stringers doing well.

After now two friendlies, we've pretty much settled on the main U20 team and tomorrow it'll be Columbia U20 in a Friendly. On paper we should win, but very close. I will predict a one-goal margin to us.

It'll be another 4 friendlies after that until the qualifying begins so a good chance to get the Chemistry up.

Until next time
This is U20!

Gooooooaaaaaaaalllllllllllllllllll!
and
Gooooooaaaaaaaaaaaaa1111111111111111111111!

Australian U20 did us proud with a 2-1 win over Venezuela U20 in the return leg (we lost 1-0 in the first leg so very happy). I would say we were lucky as Venezuela played VL/L intensity (maybe forgot).... but 2 goals was a great way to begin this season qualifiers.

It really was a must-win match to keep us in touch. Next week we're up against Malaysia.

Until next time
This is U20!

scoooore

Nicely done, indeed!

Another win into World Cup qualifiers with a 1-0 win over Scotland, following last weekend's 2-0 win over Malaysia. We now sit in 4th place on the standings - just 2 points from top - we dream! (U17 reality - well done U17 btw)

Standings
19 points = Netherlands & Sweden
17 points = Czech, Australia & Brazil

We do have a tough run home though - playing all the teams above in the final 4 matches.

Until next time
This is U20!

Ouch!! 6-1 loss to Brazil... Less said about that the better, but will reassess tactics and set again for next week - relying on upsets to qualify now, and need to take points.

So wrapping up the season, the U20 team finished 5th in the pool, but finished well with a good 2-0 win over Sweden. A few seasons of solid results had seen our U20 team improve to an all time high world ranking of 42nd.

I'm happy to look after the U20 team next season again with some young guns coming up from U17... Will be getting the team organised in the next couple of weeks.

Until next time!
This is U20!

U20 team playing today consists of just 19 & 20 year olds in the squad... still going through my spreadsheets so full squad (including 18yrs) will be selected shortly.

Apologies for the lack of updates lately, been a bit hectic but our team has managed to stay in touch with the group with one loss (2-1 Uraguay) one draw (0-0 Greece) and one win (2-1 Iran) and in 5th place on goal difference. The main goal this season is to stay in touch, with a stronger team next season to bring us home and hopefully qualify.

Until next time
This is U20!

In the final match we got smacked by France but looking at our group - despite being in last position we are only 3 points behind qualification and 4th spot! Wow! Next seasons team will be superior to this season so there is still hope.

Group 6:
1 - Latvia 17 points
2 - Portugal 12
3 - Bulgaria 11
4 - Uraguay. 8
5 - France. 8
6 - Iran 7
7 - Greece. 6
8 - Australia. 5

I did set the team up early and was not so focussed this season - but the best players were on the pitch. (Slightly distracted as we just had our 3rd child 3 weeks ago).

The goal of this season was to stay in touch and hopefully come home well next season - and by only 3 points outside qualification I think we just satisfy that, though would have been good to have had an extra win.

Good news is being ranked 45th so we will qualify for the PPM challenge (top 48) so time to get next seasons team on the field for the remaining matches of the season.

Also like Crico - might give someone else a go on U20 the season after next - I think U20 is the easiest team to manage as only 3 age groups to scout and pretty much the team is picked from graduating U17s.

Until next time - this is U20!

Congratulations on everything!

Both of u done great job, Thank u

PPM Challenge time is on us again with the U20 after qualifying to compete in Division C.

We're in a tough pool with Denmark, Bosnia & Switzerland so we'll see how we go.

Unlucky to go down 2-1 yesterday to Denmark... Tonight it's Bosnia.

Until next time
This is U20!

A 0-0 draw against Bosnia has given us a sniff at getting out of the pool with now a head-to-head with Switzerland to decide tonight... We are underdogs again but let's hope.