After pulling of a stunning 2-1 victory over tournament favourites Nigeria when it was most needed, Australia have grown in belief and confidence and have set their eyes on winning the FIFA U17 World Cup, according to Joeys midfielder Idrus Abdulahi.
The Aussies began their world cup campaign on a dull note after picking just one point from their first two games but with nothing except a win needed against the Golden Eaglets, the Joeys pulled of a huge result thanks to a double from Joeys striker Noah Botic.
Nigeria, the 2013 and 2015 U-17 World Cup winners, had never been beaten before by Australia at this level and the Australians are banking on the momentum gained by that historic win to go all the way to the final and probably win it.
Melbourne City teen Idrus Abdulahi sees no reason why the Joeys can’t go far in the tournament.
“It was a game that we had to win and we got three points, it’s an amazing feeling,” Abdulahi said.
“We had to fight, we had to defend and this is the part of the game we have to do, we did it really well and got the three points, that’s what matters.
“The belief that we can win, it doesn’t matter who it is, we showed it and we beat the best team, probably one of the best teams in the tournament.”
“There’s one trophy and one team has to win it, why not us?” Abdulahi said.
“I think we showed last night we’d be one of the favourites of the tournament.
“It just shows we can do anything as a team, we are really confident (to face) any team, we are ready.
“We have amazing staff, we have amazing coaches, we have amazing players, and we’re together. That’s the most important thing.”
“I think togetherness is our strongest (asset),” Abdulahi said.
“Every player in the team has a role and we all have something to contribute.
“The players on the bench support the players that are playing and when the players on the bench come on to play we always support them, help them.
“I just shows that together you’re much stronger.”
