A-League finals result in mixed bag for World Cup bolters
Marcus Younis' hopes of a World Cup call-up were dampened after Melbourne City's penalty shootout loss to Auckland FC in the A-League finals, while Sydney FC advanced by defeating Melbourne Victory 1-0. Fellow World Cup hopefuls Paul Okon-Engstler and Tiago Quintal played key roles in Sydney FC's victory, boosting their international prospects. The semifinals will see Sydney face Newcastle and Auckland take on Adelaide in two-legged ties next weekend.
- ▪Marcus Younis scored eight goals and provided three assists for Melbourne City since his January loan from Bröndby, but his season ended in a penalty shootout loss to Auckland FC.
- ▪Paul Okon-Engstler played a central role in Sydney FC's 1-0 win over Melbourne Victory, despite a controversial VAR overturn of a potential penalty.
- ▪Tiago Quintal had a breakout season with five goals and three assists, but was largely quiet in the elimination final before being substituted.
- ▪Sydney FC will face premiers Newcastle in the semifinals, while Auckland FC advances to play Adelaide United.
- ▪16-year-old Akol Akon featured for Sydney FC, marking a significant moment in his young career.
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Mixed bag for Socceroos World Cup bolters, as Auckland FC, Sydney FC move to A-League semifinalsHBy Henry HansonTopic:A-League Men1h ago1 hours agoSat 2 May 2026 at 8:25pmMarcus Younis' (left) chances of a World Cup call-up were hurt as Melbourne City was eliminated from the A-League finals. (Getty Images: Phil Walter)In short:Red-hot attacker and World Cup bolter Marcus Younis saw his A-League season end as Melbourne City lost on penalties to Auckland FC.Fellow tournament hopefuls Paul Okon-Engstler and Tiago Quintal both progressed with Sydney FC, which downed Melbourne Victory 1-0 in the second elimination final.What's next?The two-legged semifinal ties begin next weekend, with the Sky Blues facing Newcastle and Auckland taking on…
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