Joeys comeback draw keeps WC hopes high

Australia have boosted their hopes of advancing from the FIFA U-17 World Cup group stage with two second-half goals securing a 2-2 comeback draw with Hungary.

For the second game running, the Joeys conceded two first-half goals, to leave themselves a mountain to climb against their Group B opponents.

However, goals from Noah Botic, from the penalty spot, and Caleb Watts earned the Joeys what could prove to be a crucial point.

The third-placed Joeys wrap up their group play on Friday (Saturday 0700 AEDT) against leaders Nigeria, who made it two wins from as many games with a 3-2 defeat of Ecuador.

The top two teams of each group and the four best third-placed teams advance to the round of 16.

At the Estadio Olimpico in Goiania, Peter Barath gave Hungary a 14th-minute lead with a powerful header before the Europeans were awarded a penalty, after VAR spotted a handball in the box, which Akos Zuigeber converted.

Australia were awarded a penalty of their own in the 69th minute, with the aid of VAR after a Hungary defender was judged to have handled the ball from a corner.

Botic confidently sent Hungary goalkeeper Krisztian Hegyi the wrong way to score his second goal of the tournament.

Watts then pulled Australia level in the 74th minute when he raced onto a through ball to finish past Hegyi.