Australia secured the AFC U20 Asian Cup™ China 2025 title following a 5-4 penalty shootout win over Saudi Arabia in the final on Saturday
Louis Agosti gave the Young Socceroos the lead in the 25th minute with Saudi Arabia equalising through Talal Haji just before half-time. With the match ending 1-1 after 120 minutes, Australia held their nerve in the shootout with keeper Steven Hall stepping up to save Bassam Hazazi’s spot-kick to claim their first ever title.
"It was a big ride to the end, and it tested us mentally. I think that's the key thing. In the end, being able to win was a great reward for the players because they put in the effort throughout the tournament," said Morgan. "The team grew, showed character, and displayed great courage and belief in themselves.
"We were playing another team that deserved to be in the final, so it's not surprising that it was a tough match. Of course, we would have liked to manage that moment better and not give them the opportunity to equalise," Morgan admitted.
Morgan said tactical adjustments were made at half-time, aimed at shifting Australia's attacking approach.
"Our decisions at half-time were about changing the way we attacked. They were decisions of conviction, knowing that the squad has different qualities, and we might have needed a few different plays.
“In the end, there were some very good moments in the second half where we didn't score, but we played football in a way that looked more like ourselves."
Morgan’s triumph marks a significant achievement for Australian football, adding to the nation’s success in AFC competitions, with the Socceroos lifting the AFC Asian Cup™ title in 2015 and Matildas hoisting the AFC Women’s Asian Cup trophy in 2010.
"Players and coaches work hard. For me personally, helping the players do what they did today and throughout the tournament is an honour. I'm very happy with how it turned out, and I'm proud," said Morgan.
"I know I put in a lot of effort, but in the end, it's the players who have to perform. To be someone who helps guide these young players to win something – it's a special honour for us. "Asia is such a diverse and large confederation with so much talent and love for football, so to finally win something like this is huge. We're going to be very proud."