National Team Friendly

National Stadium
Spectators: 10302 (Terracing: 7727, Seating: 2369, VIP seats: 206) An unexpectedly hard shot by Rodney Lord in the 2nd minute of play forced U21 Paraguay's goalkeeper Xzavion Sando to throw himself to the left, to be able to save the ball. 4 minutes into the match, U21 Australia's goalkeeper Nathaniel Warren had to clear away a ball on his right side after a cunning shot by Esteban Mariano. In the 8th match minute, U21 Australia was awarded a freekick, the ball was picked up by Quade Gracey to maneuver through the defense. In the 12th minute, Lon Andino got an opportunity to score, but he didn't get a solid hit on the ball and ended up kicking it wide of the goal. 15 minutes into the game, Nofre Baneros cracked a shot to the right of the goalkeeper, 1-0. Nathaniel Warren was not in position, and could only watch the ball fly in. In the 18th minute, Esteban Mariano hit a crossing free kick to the open man running down the field. Xzavion Sando made a wonderful reflex save on a shot from Alvin Starling in the 21st minute of play. When U21 Australia's Alvin Starling in the 21st minute got a chance for a shot 21st didn't hesitate and placed the ball to the right of the goalie. A beautiful save bye U21 Paraguay's goalie prevented a goal. After 21 minutes, Rodney Lord made it 1-1 with a short kick to the right side. U21 Paraguay's Xzavion Sando tried to save the shot but he was too slow in reacting to the shot. After a rather tough play, U21 Australia's Otto Bodimeade got a free kick in the 27th minute. Lon Andino fired away a screaming shot towards the goal in the 27th minute, but the shot went just over the crossbar without Nathaniel Warren having to interfere. A collision led to U21 Paraguay getting a freekick after 29 minutes play. Prejun Alberdi hit a great ball. U21 Paraguay were awarded a corner in the 33th minute after U21 Australia's defender lost control of the ball, allowing it to roll out over the line. Nicollao Perucho took the corner. The corner ended in Nicollao Perucho almost managing to get the ball behind the net, but U21 Australia's Nathaniel Warren did a great save. Rodney Lord sent away a hard shot on goal in the 34th minute, but the ball went just over the crossbar and out. A very good chance. Xzavion Sando showed his good apprehension of the play when he made a fantastic save on a shot from Otto Bodimeade, who was totally free with the ball in the 36th minute. 36 minutes into the match, U21 Paraguay's goal looked a bit too open when Rodney Lord came free, but Xzavion Sando reached the ball before it rolled over the goal line. Norm Paull took a chance and fired a shot far from the goal in the 39th minute, but it turned out to be a dangerous situation for Xzavion Sando. U21 Paraguay's goalkeeper really had to stretch himself to stop the ball from crossing the goal line. In the 42nd match minute, U21 Paraguay was awarded a freekick, the ball was picked up by Prejun Alberdi to maneuver through the defense. In the 43rd match minute, U21 Paraguay was awarded a freekick, the ball was picked up by Nofre Baneros to maneuver through the defense.

When the second half was about to start, both teams quickly lined up and Rodney Lord made a kick off. Prejun Alberdi's shot was meant for the net just under the crossbar, but Nathaniel Warren read the situation well and was quickly in position to make a wonderful save in the 57th minute of play. The corner ended in Nicollao Perucho almost managing to get the ball behind the net, but U21 Australia's Nathaniel Warren did a great save. The crowd rose to their feet as Rodney Lord kicked a wonderful shot that went in to the left of a diving Xzavion Sando. That made the score 1-2 in the 60 minute of play. U21 Paraguay made a substitution. Joseph Cerna replaced Prejun Alberdi. Joseph Cerna hit a great freekick 65 minutes into the match. After 67 played minutes U21 Australia got a freekick which was hit by Nash Facey. With a couple of smart ball manuevers Esteban Mariano in the 68th managed to get into a good position. With a left leg Nathaniel Warren saved U21 Australia from getting behind. When the match had gone on for 73 minutes, Rodney Lord took a quick shot and it went in 1-3 without a chance for Xzavion Sando to make any attempt to save it. 77 minutes into the game, Otto Bodimeade was given a yellow card after he appeared to trip an opposing player. U21 Australia's manager was livid on the sidelines, but the referee was unmoved and gave U21 Paraguay the free kick. Alvin Starling received a nice pass in the box and took a hard shot in the 86th minute. Xzavion Sando tensed up and prepared to dive, but the shot went over the goal with him having to interfere. A collision led to U21 Paraguay getting a freekick after 88 minutes play. Nicollao Perucho hit a great ball. After some fancy dribbling in the 90th minute, Rodney Lord managed to get in a good position for a shot. U21 Australia's supporters rose to their feet, but Rodney Lord was a bit off balance and shot the ball just wide of the left post. Xzavion Sando breathed a sigh of relief and went to take the goal kick. U21 Australia's supporters were very happy and cheered loudly because their team had won after a very close match.