Karuppiah Ramakrishnan in Doha
Austria marched into their first-ever U-17 World Cup final on Monday, defeating Italy 2–0 in a composed and commanding semi-final performance—driven entirely by the brilliance of Johannes Moser, the tournament’s unstoppable goal machine.
Italy entered the match unbeaten, disciplined and difficult to break down. But Austria matched their structure with intensity, patience, and a relentless attacking edge that eventually shattered the Azzurri resistance.
After a tense first half where both teams probed without success, the breakthrough arrived in the 57th minute. Johannes Moser, already the talk of Qatar 2025, produced another moment of genius. Drifting into the box, he created space with a sharp touch before unleashing a powerful low strike that flew past the goalkeeper. The goal ignited the Austrian supporters and shifted the entire momentum of the match.
Italy attempted to respond, pushing their full-backs higher and committing more bodies forward, but Austria’s back line stayed aggressively organised, repelling every cross and shot that came their way.
With the match heading into stoppage time and Italy desperately chasing an equaliser, Austria struck the decisive blow. Given a direct free kick from a dangerous position, Moser stood over the ball with full confidence—and delivered. His curling, thunderous strike in the 90’+2 minute sailed past the helpless keeper, sealing Austria’s historic place in the final and confirming Moser’s status as the tournament’s top scorer.
The second goal crushed Italian hopes and sparked Austrian celebrations across Aspire Zone. For the first time in any age category, Austria will contest a World Cup final.
Italy, disciplined but undone by one extraordinary footballer, will now turn their attention to the third-place playoff. Austria, meanwhile, ride a wave of momentum—and the unstoppable force of Johannes Moser—into the biggest match in their youth football history.