Thu 2nd Nov 2006

The Qantas Young Socceroos have scored a 3-1 win over Thailand in their second group match at the AFC Youth Championship with the tournament doubling as qualifiers for the 2007 FIFA World Youth Cup.

The Australians were forced to overcome the early dismissal of striker Bruce Djite who was shown a direct red card in just the 15th minute having been deemed guilty off making a dangerous tackle.

Djite’s Adelaide United teammate Nathan Burns led the way scoring a goal in each half with Queensland Roar striker Dario Vidosic scoring the other goal.

Thailand’s Suttinun Phukhom scored the goal from the penalty spot when Peter Eleftherakis brought down an opponent six minutes prior to the interval. Aside from the penalty Australian goalkeeper Tando Velaphi was only called on to make one significant save denying Thailand with a one-on-one stop in the opening minutes.

Burns opened the scoring in the 26th minute outpacing the defence before evading the goalkeeper and rolling the ball into an unguarded net.

Burns then had a hand in the second just six minutes later when he was bundled over following some impressive work on the right flank from Jimmy Downey. Vidosic easily scored the ensuing penalty before Thailand scored their goal late in the half.

Australia scored a deserved third goal in injury time with Burns showing great technique to chest the ball down on the run and strike a firm shot past the goalkeeper.

“It was an absolutely fantastic effort by all the players today in what were very trying circumstances,” said Qantas Young Socceroos coach Ange Postecoglou.

“The conditions were extremely hot and humid while the refereeing today was very disappointing and we were forced to play virtually the entire match with ten men.

“We scored a couple of great goals, put together some excellent passages of play and worked extremely despite the adverse conditions.”

Australia will now complete their Group B fixtures against the United Arab Emirates on Friday where a win will guarantee progression to the second round.

The 16-nation AFC Youth Championship will be held in India October 29 – November 12 with the top four nations to qualify for the 2007 FIFA World Youth Cup in Canada.

Match Details

Australia 3 (Nathan Burns 26’, 91’, Dario Vidosic 32’ pen)
Thailand 1 (Suttinun Phukhom 39’ pen)

Australian line-up: Tando Velaphi (gk); Steven O’Dor, Peter Eleftherakis (Sebastian Ryall h/t), Matthew Spiranovic, Chris Grossman, Jimmy Downey, Evan Berger, Kaz Patafta (Brad Porter 55’), Nathan Burns, Dario Vidosic (Troy Hearfield 80’), Bruce Djite

Cautions: Eleftherakis, Patafta
Red Card: Djite