SA: The Qantas Joeys have ended the FIFA U-17 World Championship without securing a point following its 2-0 loos to Costa Rica this morning.
The match saw Australia again have a player sent off (39th minute) in the first half when Matt Hilton (pictured) clipped his Costa Rican opponent and the referee ruled it a straight card. Costa Rica also had a player sent off in the 79th minute for two referee cards.
Overall it was a pretty insipid performance by the players, who could not get themselves up for game after effectively been eliminated in the last match against Nigeria.
Even before Hilton’s send off Australia appeared flat and for the match only had three attempts at goal.
Costa Rica broke through for the opening goal in the 62nd minute when they were awarded a penalty after Nigel Boogaard was adjudged to have fouled his opponent in the box. Pablo Rodriguez converted and a place in the next round beckoned.
The second goal Costa Rica needed came in the 74th minute from Alonso Salazar although the same player was sent off five minutes later for his second yellow card offence.
The 2-0 scoreline meant they finished on equal points, equal goal difference and equal goals for with Nigeria and for the first time the drawing of lots was needed to decide the team to go through and Costa Rica was successful.
Australia line up: Nick Crossley (gk); Ben Griffin, Nigel Boogaard, Keegan Wolfenden, Jacob Timpano, Kristian Sarkies (Angelo Martino 54′), Adam Casey, Matt Christensen (Matthew Deegan 74′), Adrian Leijer, Dane Richardson, Matt Hilton
Cautions: Timpano 9′, Wolfenden 58′, Christensen 68′
Expulsions: Hilton 39′