NEWCASTLE’S Andrew Hoole continued his remarkable rise by setting up Australia’s opening goal at the FIFA under-20 World Cup as the Young Socceroos drew 1-all with Colombia in Trabzon on Saturday.
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Hoole was one of the shining lights in the Jet’s disappointing 2012-13 A-League campaign, making his first-team debut in round 16 and appearing in eight games.
The 19-year-old Broadmeadow Magic product was one of four Jets to play in Australia’s tournament opener, along with Josh Brillante, Connor Chapman and striker Adam Taggart.
Playing right back, Hoole produced a through ball just after half-time that 16-year-old Perth Glory midfielder Daniel de Silva – the youngest player at the World Cup – converted into a 1-0 lead.
Colombia’s Jhon Cordoba equalised in the dying minutes but Australian coach Paul Okon was satisfied with a draw against one of the competition favourites.
‘‘It was a great game. I think both teams showed their qualities,’’ Okon said.
‘‘We knew before the game what we were up against, South American champions, but we also had this belief that if we could perform the way we know we can perform, play our style of football, we’d give ourselves a good chance of winning the game.
‘‘We came very, very close. We’re disappointed that at 1-0 we had two chances to probably put the game to bed.
‘‘We didn’t do that and unfortunately Colombia punished us.
‘‘First game, we’re delighted and we turn our attention now to El Salvador.’’
Hoole said it was a good start but there was room for improvement.
‘‘Considering it was the first hit-out, I thought we did really well as a team,’’ Hoole said.
‘‘Paul Okon has got us playing a very good style and everyone enjoys playing like that ... El Salvador will be very tough opponents but we’ve just got to take it one game at a time and concentrate on ourselves as much as we can.’’
Hoole’s fellow Novocastrians also contributed in a solid first-up performance.
Brillante created a first-half chance for Melbourne striker Connor Pain, Chapman was composed in defence and Taggart was busy until he was replaced by Corey Gameiro in the 71st minute. The draw means the Young Socceroos have already matched their performance at the corresponding event in 2011, when they returned from Colombia with one point from three group games and did not progress to the round of 16.
After their round-two clash with El Salvador on Wednesday, Australia face a daunting showdown with hosts Turkey.
‘‘If we can repeat that performance, we know we’ll go close to winning any game of football,’’ Okon said.
Charlestown singing in the rain, Page 49