Subway Joeys' comeback win over Japan not quite enough in cruel AFC U17 Asian Cup exit
The Subway Joeys did their part in the final group stage game of the AFC U17 Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2025™, coming from behind to defeat Japan 3-2.
Unfortunately, due to a late draw between Vietnam and the UAE, the result was not enough for the Joeys to advance from the group and qualify for the FIFA U17 World Cup 2025™. They finished the group stage in third in Group B.
Defending champions Japan came out of the blocks well, and took the lead in the seventh minute. Asuto Fujita was able to find space after a corner and sweep the ball into the back of the net.
The early goal changed the complexion of the game. Japan were happy to sit back and test the Joeys on the counter, while Australia were forced to throw everything at the Samurai Blue's defence.
The Joeys' best opportunity of the half came in the 18th minute, when Amlani Tatu was played through on goal by a stellar through-ball by Haine Eames. Tatu's effort went wide of the post.
Everything changed after the break. The Joeys equalised early, with Miles Milliner arriving at the perfect time after a corner to head the ball home and give the team hope.
Then, in the 71st minute, Australia took the lead. It was a fantastic solo goal from Max Anastasio who won the ball in Japan's half, ran into the penalty area, cut onto his right foot past two Japanese defenders, and slotted it into the back of the net.
That lead was extended to two goals only minutes later. Alexander Garbowski capitalised after Japan failed to clear a corner to steer a bouncing ball towards goal. As it stood at that stage, the Joeys were advancing to the knockouts.
Of course, Japan were never going to make it easy. Daichi Tan scored their second in the 86th minute to make things very nervy in the final stages of the match.
The Subway Joeys were able to hold on. Elsewhere, however, Vietnam were not able to hold onto their lead that would have seen the Joeys advance. A 1-1 draw between their fellow Group B opponents the UAE meant that Australia was eliminated, while Japan and the UAE advance after head-to-head results, goal difference and goal tallies were calculated between the three teams in question.
Match Summary
Japan U17: 2 (Asuto Fujita 7', Daichi Tan 86')
Australia U17: 3 (Miles Milliner 51', Max Anastasio 71', Alexander Garbowski 74')
Date: Thursday 10 April 2025 (local)
Venue: Okaz Stadium, Taif
Australia U17: Jai Ajanovic (GK), Besian Kutleshi (Thomas Cutuk 90+1'), Charlie Parkin, Alexander Garbowski, Miles Milliner (Akol Akon 63'), Haine Eames (Quinn MacNicol 46'), Max Anastasio, Amlani Tatu, Logan Sambrook (Christian Pullella 63'), Jay Maltz (Kade Baccus 83'), Rhys Williams
Unused substitutes: Jonty Benfield (GK), Jared Williams (GK), Zane Stevenson, Alex Bolton, Nickolas Alfaro, Anthony Didulica