Joeys are Hungary for World Cup scalp to keep dreams alive

It’s shaping as make or break for the Joeys' survival hopes at the FIFA Under-17 World Cup, with striker Noah Botic insisting Trevor Morgan’s side can still force their way into the knock out stage in Brazil.

The Joeys line up against Ecuador Source: Getty Images

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To keep the dream alive after the 2-1 opening loss to Ecuador, Australia must realistically beat Hungary tomorrow morning (AEDT) in Goiania.

And Hoffenheim rookie Botic, scorer of a crisply taken goal against Ecuador, is convinced a Hungary side which collapsed 4-2 against Nigeria in their opener are far from invincible.

“We can’t let what happened against Ecuador get to us,” Botic said.

“You need to have a positive mindset throughout the whole tournament and believe anything can happen in these two games coming up.

“Obviously we were down after the first game but what’s done is done, we can’t change that.

“The mood and vibe has built up again, over the last couple of days, and the positivity is there (going into the Hungary match).

“We’ll analyse them with the coaching staff and I’ve got every trust in Trevor that he’ll have us confident and ready for what we need to do.

“We’ll be fully aware of their tactics, how they like to play and what their weaknesses are.”

Despite conceding early goals against Ecuador, Australia came alive in the second half with the overseas-based contingent of Caleb Watts (Southampton), Tristan Hammond (Sporting Lisbon) and the menacing Botic all showing their emerging pedigree.

“We fought to the final whistle and that shows the determination and drive in us - that we can compete against any team, even if we have a poor start,” Botic said.

“I reckon we can get a result against Hungary - we don’t want to go through that same feeling again that we experienced against Ecuador. I believe in the players and what we’re trying to do.

“We have that determination in us that we can compete with the very best.

“We’ve got a good balance in the team, a lot of versatile players who have skill, leadership and energy."

Botic is reveling in his switch from NPL Rockdale Suns to the youth academy of Bundesliga club Hoffenheim, a destination he hopes will propel him one day all the way to the Socceroos.

“It’s 24/7 help there with the coaching staff and a big difference, especially coming from Rockdale," he said.

“I can’t wait to see what the future has in store for me.

“I reckon the style of play implemented over there is going to help my game develop.

“I think I’ll fit in well with their structure and strategy and how they play. It works with how I play and I’m so happy with the move.

“That’s the goal - I want to play in the best teams possible and to showcase my talent around the world.

“This World Cup can also give me that opportunity.”