Shepparton’s James Nieuwenhuizen is set to represent Australia on the world stage after being named in the Young Socceroos squad for the AFC under-20 Asian Cup.
The young goalkeeper and former Goulburn Valley Sun was one of three glovemen included in the 23-player squad set to compete in Uzbekistan next month.
The tournament will kick off on March 1, with Australia set to face Iran, Qatar and Vietnam in the group stages.
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And while Australia will be gunning for regional glory, it’ll be fighting for something more as well.
A place in the under-20 World Cup Indonesia 2023 is also on the line, with the Aussies needing to reach the semi-finals in Uzbekistan in order to qualify.
It has been almost 10 years since Australia last qualified for the under-20 World Cup, something that Young Socceroos’ coach Trevor Morgan said was a big motivator.
“Australia has not featured at the FIFA U-20 World Cup since 2013 and the valuable experience it provides players on their way to the Subway Olyroos and Subway Socceroos is immeasurable,” Morgan said.
“We know the AFC U-20 Asian Cup presents a huge challenge, but these are environments the best players crave and this tournament presents an opportunity to create history and qualify for the FIFA U-20 World Cup, taking inspiration from the 2019 edition where Korea Republic appeared in the final.”
Nieuwenhuizen spent his junior career with the Suns before signing a three-year professional contract with Melbourne City in 2021.
The under-20 World Cup will be contested by 24 teams from six FIFA confederations, with the tournament to be held from May 20-June 11.