Young Socceroos start with a win

AUSSIE YOUNG GUNS DEFEAT KOREAN REPUBLIC

The Qantas Young Socceroos kicked off the Weifang Cup with an encouraging 1-0 win over the Korean Republic (South Korea) overnight in stifling conditions in Weifang, China.



Adelaide United’s recent signing Matthew Mullen scored the winner in the 73rd minute with a low first time strike from inside the penalty area following a corner from James Holland.



Both sides struggled in the early stages of the match in hot and humid conditions but after the break the young Australian side took the initiative and threatened on several occasions before obtaining a deserved winner



The first notable chance of the match did not arrive until just after the half time break when Queensland Roar striker Tahj Minniecon struck his shot just over the crossbar.



Australia grew in confidence as the match wore on and started to dominate the Koreans who seemed to struggled in the challenging conditions.



The Australians thought they had taken the lead in the 52nd minute after a scramble following a corner but the goal was ruled out for a foul on the keeper.



Korea’s keeper made a great save to deny Australia in the 72nd minute however Mullen ensured the win from the resulting corner.



The match was first international outing for the current generation of Young Socceroos and there will be further matches over the coming week against host-nation China, Iran, Uzbekistan and top Chinese club Shandong Luneng.



The long road towards the 2009 FIFA World Youth Cup will commence in October with the first stage of qualifying to be followed next year by the AFC U-19 Championship.





Match Details:



Australia 1 (Matthew Mullen 73’)

Korea Republic 0



Australian line-up: Andrew Redmayne (GK); Luke De Vere, Sebastian Ryall, James Holland, Matthew Mullen (Bonel Obradovic 85’), Isaka Cernak-Okanya, James Brown, Tahj Minniecon, Dane Milovanovic (Richard Greer 90’), Jason Hoffman (Milos Lujic 70’), Daniel Mullen (Ante Cicak 65’)


Australia v Iran
Sunday 29 July, 4pm (6pm AEST)

Australia v China
Tuesday 31 July, 4pm (6pm AEST)

Australia v Shandong Luneng
Thursday 2 August, 10am (12midday AEST)

Australia v Uzbekistan
Saturday 4 August, 4pm (6pm AEST)
* All matches to be played in Weifang