The Young Socceroos have etched their names in history by clinching their first-ever Under-20 Asian Cup title, defeating Saudi Arabia in a dramatic penalty shootout. The final, held in Shenzhen, China, saw Australia triumph 5-4 on penalties after a tense 1-1 draw in regulation time.
At the heart of this historic win was teenage goalkeeper Steven Hall, who emerged as the shootout hero by making a crucial save to secure the championship. His performance, along with standout contributions from Alex Badolato and the rest of the squad, ended Australia’s long wait for silverware at the youth level.
A Hard-Fought Battle in the Final
The final was an intense contest, with Australia taking the lead in the 24th minute courtesy of a well-struck volley from Louis Agosti. However, Saudi Arabia found an equalizer just before halftime when Talal Haji’s powerful header was ruled to have crossed the line despite Hall’s attempt to keep it out.
The remainder of the match saw both sides battle for supremacy, but neither could find the breakthrough in extra time, leading to a high-stakes penalty shootout.
Hall’s Redemption in the Shootout
Despite the setback in the first half, Hall remained composed and delivered when it mattered most. As his teammates confidently converted all five of their penalties, he produced a stunning save on the final Saudi spot-kick, denying Bassam Hazazi and sealing Australia’s historic victory.
The win marked a major milestone for Australian football, making the Young Socceroos the first national team to secure a major tournament title since the senior squad’s 2015 AFC Asian Cup triumph under Ange Postecoglou.
It wasn't just a dream 😉
— Football Australia (@FootballAUS) March 2, 2025
Goodnight, Australia 🇦🇺
#AFCU20 #YoungSocceroos #AUSvKSA
A Tournament to Remember
Australia’s road to glory was nothing short of dominant, winning all six of their matches and netting an impressive 16 goals. Their success also earned them a spot in the upcoming Under-20 World Cup in Chile later this year.
Coach Trevor Morgan praised the team’s resilience and talent, noting the standout performances of several players, including captain Sebastian Esposito, Danish-based forward Musa Toure, QPR winger Daniel Bennie, and Melbourne Victory’s midfield maestro Alex Badolato.
Badolato, who was named the tournament’s Most Valuable Player, showcased his immense potential throughout the competition, delivering crucial performances, including a stunning goal in the quarter-finals against Iraq.
As the Young Socceroos prepare for the World Cup, their Asian Cup victory stands as a testament to their skill, determination, and bright future in international football.
