Qantas Young Socceroos downed by Korea Republic

The Qantas Young Socceroos have finished the AFC Youth Qualifying tournament in disappointing fashion, going down 4-0 to Korea Republic, to finish second in the group.

The Qantas Young Socceroos have finished the AFC Youth Qualifying tournament in disappointing fashion, going down 4-0 to Korea Republic, to finish second in the group.

Despite the loss in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, Australia has still qualified for next year-s AFC Youth Championships, with the top two from each qualifying group going through.

Going into the final group game tied on points, Korea stole an early goal after three minutes and never looked back and by half time were three goals to the good.

They added a fourth goal midway through the second half to complete the scoring.

Half the match was played in heavy rain, which did not help the Australian-s cause, although the Koreans were clinical in pouncing on several hesitant moments by Australia in its own penalty box.

The opening goal came after Australia failed to clear the ball properly and they pounced quickly and had the ball in the back of the net.

Australia-s first meaningful effort on goal came in the 23rd minute, but Oliver Bozanic-s long range effort was high and wide.

Soon after Korea was up 2-0 when they again pressured the defence in the penalty box, who turned it over and the Korean striker had an easy tap in from close range.

With the rain now bucketing down, Australia was again punished for not clearing it lines effectively in the 40th minute, with Andrew Redmayne beaten a third time by a clinical finish from 10 metres out.

Redmayne was forced into two excellent saves after the break, but was unable to stop a solid shot in the 69th minute.

Unfortunately chances were few and far between for the Young Socceroos, but with this being the first time the group has been together, coach Steve O-Connor will be looking for greater improvement by the time the Youth Championships are played late next year.

Match Details

Korea Republic 4 Australia 0

Australian line-up: Andrew Redmayne (gk); Luke Devere, Sebastian Ryall, James Holland, Tahj Minniecon, Daniel Mullen, Oliver Bozanic (Matt Mullen 54-), Ryan McGowan (Peter Cvetanovski 62-), Jason Hoffman, Mitch Nichols (Mario Jesic 79-), Nathan Elasi Subs not used: Milos Lujic, Isaka Cernak-Okanya, Matthew Jurman, Glen Trifiro, Michael Entagert (gk), Rocky Visconte

Cautions: Holland (42-), Hoffman (51-), D Mullen (67-)