Sydney FC teen Anton Mlinaric Brazil bound as Joeys prepare for under 17s World Cup
This is shaping up as the best school holiday ever for a young Sydney footballer with a trip to Brazil and the honour of representing his country ahead.
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Of all the things to do in a school holiday break this has to rate as one of the best - ever.
Teenager Anton Mlinaric, who lives at Minchinbury and is in Year 12 at Bossley Park High, is heading to Brazil via a training camp in Chile to represent his country at the under 17s World Cup.
The Sydney FC footballer was one of 21 young guns unveiled on Wednesday by Australian under 17s coach Trevor Morgan for the World Cup in Brazil later this month.
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“I’m over the moon,’’ said the centre back who is part of the Sydney FC Academy.
“I’ve worked so hard for this.
“When I heard it was exciting times in our house because it’s a combined effort with my family, my mum, dad, brother and sister.’’
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Parents Tracey and Paul, brother Nicholas, 14, and Danijela, 10, will all be in Brazil to cheer Mlinaric on.
“It will be great to see them in the crowd. It’s what you dream of. You alway want your family to be with you when you do good things,’’ he said.
“I just want to make everyone proud. As you get older you realise a lot of people have faith in you and want to reward them.’’
The World Cup will be contested by 24 nations and will run between October 26 and November 17.
The Australians will take on Ecuador, Hungary and Nigeria in Group B first up with the two teams from each of the six groups - and the four best third-placed teams - advancing to the round of 16.
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“The players selected represent Australia’s cultural diversity and come from all over the nation,” Morgan said of his squad.
“We have selected a squad that has depth, flexibility and a strong culture of doing things to the best of their ability.
“There are some boys who have been part of the journey since 2017, and others who have joined recently bringing new strengths and adding new qualities to our group.
“The level of experience is building with six international matches this year and several boys training with senior players at Hyundai A-League clubs.
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“This is a positive sign as they prepare for the biggest tournament possible for their age group but also for the longer term to have a career as a senior professional.’’
Mlinaric will be in Brazil with fellow Sydney FC Academy players Cameron Peupion, Adam Pavlesic and Ryan Teague who will captain the side.