China, Australia record wins to seal quarter berth

Kolkata, Nov 3 (UNI) China booked a quarter-final berth in the AFC Youth Championship, with an all-win record, getting the better of Thailand by a solitary goal.

Australia also made it to last eight as the second team from group B, with a 2-0 win over the United Arab Emirates.

The Thais, who needed a win to post a challenge to the Chinese and the Socceroos for a place in the last eight, started in a spirited note and enjoyed early supremacy. Jakkaphan Kaewprom and Kriangkral Pimrat teased the Chinese defence, but the poor finishing of their forwards poured cold water on their efforts.

China slowly brought down the tempo of the game and the 180 cm tall Deen Xu could have put them ahead a minute before the half-hour mark, but he failed to beat the goalkeeper from a one-on-one situation.

Nilsang found the net in the 64th minute, but his effort was ruled out as he was offside. Wong scored the all-important goal 13 minutes later, with a long ranger which left Thai custodian Chatchal Bootprom rooted to the spot. China again found the net, four minutes into the injury time, but Xu Yang's effort was also ruled out by the linesman for an offside.

At Howrah stadium, Australia rode a brace from Brondby hit-man David Williams to cap up an excellent win. Williams scored in the 14th and 31st minutes to open his account in the tournament.

Saudi Arabia and Iraq also moved into the last eight with wins over Vietnam and Malaysia in Bangalore. The Saudis defeated Vietnam 2-0, while Iraq won 3-0.

Teams: China: Dalel Wang, Jianye Liu, Ming Zhao, Lei Bai, Junmin Hao, Hai Yu (Dabao Yu, 46), Lin Dai, Xu Yang, Peng Cui, Ye Zhang (Yongpo Wang, 73) and Deen Xu ( Yongzhe Cui, 60) Thailand: Chatchal Bootprom, Ponalawat Wangkahad, Rawin Nontagate, Chokchal Chuchai, Suttiniun Phukhom, Jakkaphan Kaewprom ( Phunwat Jinta, 52), Choklap Nilsang, Kriangkral Pimrat, Anawin Jujeen, Suphacal Phupha and Chainarong Tatong (Wisoot Bunpeng, 76).

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