Qantas Joeys through to AFC finals

The Qantas Joeys are through to the finals of the 2008 AFC U/16 Championships next year, following an exciting 0-0 draw with DPR Korea overnight in Singapore.

The Qantas Joeys are through to the finals of the 2008 AFC U/16 Championships next year, following an exciting 0-0 draw with DPR Korea overnight in Singapore.

The draw effectively means they cannot finish third in the group and will go through as one of the top two teams. Malaysia and DPR Korea will fight out for the second and final spot on Sunday.

Despite the scoreline, Australia played much better than they did against Malaysia in the opening match and could quite easily have won the match.

In the 52nd minute, Kamal Ibrahim chased a through ball into the penalty area, only to be pulled back by his Korean opponent. However Ben Kantarovski was unable to give his side some breathing space and sent his spot kick wide of the post.

Australia started the match in bright fashion, with no sign of the nerves that were evident against Malaysia two days earlier.

In the 12th minute, Ibrahim went close when a long throw by Jared Lum, was flicked on by Eli Babalj, with Ibrahim pouncing, but sending his shot wide.

The match at this stage was being played at a blistering pace, with play see-sawing from end-to-end and numerous half chances being created.

Play settled down with both team enjoying dominating moments and neither side could be separated at the break.

Kantarovski-s miss was almost punished by the Koreans, who had the ball in the back of the net in the 74th minute, but saw the goal ruled out following an offside, after the initial shot had hit the post.

Both teams tired late in second half, with the midfield opening up and making for an exciting and nervous finish.

All players put in fantastic performances against a team the coaching staff ranks in the top 5 in Asia for this age group.

Match Details

Australia 0 DPR Korea 0

Australian line-up: Nicholas Tubbs (gk), Marc Warren, Petar Franjic, Jared Lum, Joel Miller, Ben Kantarovski, Nikola Stanejovic (Million Butshiire 73-), Kamal Ibrahim, Chehine Noujaim, Trent Sainsbury (Brendon Hamill 92-), Eli Babalj (Mitchell Mallia 71-)

Cautions: Warren (15-), Kantarovski (29-), Miller (83-)