Joeys qualify for Under-17 World Cup

The Joeys have qualified for next year's FIFA Under-17 World Cup in Chile after downing Malaysia 2-1 in a pulsating quarter final at the AFC U-16 Championships in Thailand on Sunday night.

The Aussie youngters were forced to come from a goal behind in the first half to book their place in the semi-finals thanks to goals from Cameron Joice and Daniel Maskin. 

Tony Vidmar's side started the match brightly and fashioned a number of clear cut chances through Charlie Devereux and Jamie Dimitroff in the opening 25 minutes but were unable to convert. 

Despite dominating possession in the opening half hour, the Joeys went a goal down in the 31st minute after conceding a stunning long range strike. 

But the young Aussies hit back almost immediately with a lovely cross from Dimitroff finding Cameron Joice who neatly slotted the ball home to make it 1-1. 

The Malaysian's were content to hit the Aussies on the counter attack and were unlucky not to regain the lead in the 43rd minute after smacking the crossbar with a shot from distance. 

Australia dictated proceedings in the second half but found it difficult to penetrate a well organised and resilient Malaysian defence. 

But the Joeys continued to press and eventually broke the deadlock in the 76th minute through Daniel Maskin who calmly finished past the keeper after a brilliant cross from Peter Kekeris. 

Despite some nervy moments in the latter stages, Tony Vidmar's youngsters managed to hold on for a well-deserved victory.  

The Aussie youngsters will now head into the semi-finals, where they will play either Iran or DPR Korea for a place in the final. 

Joeys starting XI v Malaysia: 

Dragicevic(GK),Davies,Fotakopoulos,Rowles,Bandiera,Caletti(c),Brimmer,Devereux,Maskin,Joice,Dimitroff