High flying Concord under-9s through to final in Kanga Cup

The challenger is the defensive brickwall, keeping a clean sheet in six games to be a title contender.

Something will have to break when Concord plays against Maccabi Hakoah in the under-9s grand final on Friday on the final day of the biggest soccer tournament in the southern hemisphere.

Both Sydney-based teams are undefeated as they prepare to compete for bragging rights in the Cup final, but their journeys to get there couldn't have been more different.

Concord has scored 34 goals to be undefeated, including a 1-0 win against Curl Curl on Thursday.

Maccabi has scored 18 goals, but the most impressive aspect of their tournament has been a remarkable ability to prevent teams from scoring against them.

Concord's semi-final was their tightest match so far, running out as 1-0 victors over a skillful Curl Curl team. It took a second half ripper from young forward Alexander Miranda to book their spot in the final.

Locked at 0-0 at half time, Concord coach John Micalizzi said his team had the belief needed to score the winner.

"I told them to keep playing how we've learnt throughout the season, said Micalizzi. "I told them not to panic,and that the goal would come."

"We don't have a competition table which is good," said Micalizzi. "Winning or losing its about teaching the boys and development.

"If we win tomorrow that's great. That's a bonus, but its more about development and learning the game."

Maccabi Hakoah won their semi-final against Wagga City Wanderers 1-0.

Maccabi Hakoah's Michael Synott says his team has played a great tournament so far..

"It's been a nice defensive effort from everybody, we've played well," said Synott. "We haven't conceded a goal in the six games we've played so we're really really happy."

The grand final is set to be a classic meeting between the two undefeated giants of the under-9 competition. Adding to the emotion of the day, the two teams are quite familiar with each other.

"Tomorrow will be a very good game, Concord are a strong team" said Synott. "I actually know a few of their players because we play against them in Sydney.

"It'll be an exciting game and physical as well, which is good for the boys. Good football I think will be played by everyone."

All Kanga Cup grand finals will be played at Southwell Park on Friday to finish the week-long tournament.