25 years ago to the day, the Australian U-17 Men’s National Team finished runners-up at the 1999 FIFA U-17 World Cup in what was a remarkable journey.

The Joeys, led by Head Coach Les Scheinflug, made it all the way to the World Cup final and fell just short in an agonising 8-7 penalty shootout defeat to none other than Brazil.

The 1999 Joeys, which featured the likes of Josh Kennedy and Scott McDonald, faced the threat of elimination after losing their group stage opener 2-1 to Brazil, but bounced back in spectacular fashion.

Scheinflug’s side would beat European giants Germany 2-1, before edging Mali 1-0 to not just progress from the group, but top it.

The Joeys went on to defeat Qatar 1-0 in the quarter-finals, before overcoming the USA in a thrilling semi-final, eventually winning 7-6 in a penalty shootout after drawing 2-2. 

Then in a World Cup final – yes, you read that right – the Joeys did themselves and their nation proud, taking powerhouse Brazil all the way to another penalty shootout after extra-time ended 0-0, where they were ultimately defeated – somewhat incredibly – 8-7 on penalties.

To celebrate the phenomenal achievements of that 1999 Joeys side, we recently caught up with four of the key people behind the team – Head Coach Les Scheinflug, captain Mark Byrnes, goalkeeper Jess Vanstrattan and forward Scott McDonald – to get their reflections. 

You can read these interviews below.

READ: Our interview with Les Scheinflug

READ: Our interview with Mark Byrnes

READ: Our interview with Jess Vanstrattan

READ: Our interview with Scott McDonald