Adam Italia was part of the winning Australian Footskills Dragons soccer team that won the Great Wall Cup last week in China. 85245 Picture: JARROD POTTER
By JARROD POTTER
ADAM Italia had a few extra mementos to bring back from his soccer trip to China, namely a very large trophy and a gold medal.
Italia, 16, from Beaconsfield, was part of successful Australia Under-17 Footskills Dragons team that won the Great Wall Cup of Beijing – International Youth Football Tournament last week.
To progress to the final, Italia’s team drew against China 2-2 then won their remaining three matches to play-off against the other Australian team at the tournament.
“We played five games all up and versing all different teams, China, Russia, Japan, another Asian country and another Australian team in the finals,” Italia said.
“Not sure if we weren’t used to the weather or they were a good team, but after the draw we started winning games by 5-2, 4-2 and things like that which got us through to the final.”
Despite conceding the first goal to their countrymen, Italia’s Australian side prevailed comfortably by four goals to win the championship.
“It was a hard match in the start, after a while they scored the first goal and that kind of put us down a bit,” Italia said.
“Through the support of the team and trying to cheer everyone up and trying to get us through we ended up winning 5-1.”
“The second we won the whole team was ecstatic, everyone was just going crazy – Ian (Williamson) was so proud of everyone – the whole team was so happy that we went to a different country to play and we were able to win.”
Italia was given a variety of roles by coach Williamson, moved out of his preferred backline posting to try his luck up forward and through the wings, which paid off as Italia humbly acknowledged that he scored a goal.
“I didn’t play much in the backline because the coach moved me around a lot, had me play at striker, wing and I scored a goal I guess you can say,” Italia said.
“It was off a free kick and I knocked it in with my shoulder, so it was my goal with a lot of help from Suji the captain.”
The boys also get a chance to defend their title next year with it confirmed Italia and his team mates would return to China next year as defending champions.
Italia wanted to thank his friends and family, Footskills for giving him the opportunity to play overseas and the support of the Cardinia Shire council and St John of God Hospital.
