Qantas Australian Under 23s defeat Azkals

The Qantas Australian Under 23s have prepared for their must-win London 2012 qualifying encounter with United Arab Emirates, with a 1-0 victory over the Philippines in Dubai.

The Qantas Australian Under 23s have prepared for their must-win London 2012 qualifying encounter with United Arab Emirates, with a 1-0 victory over the Philippines in Dubai.

Jason Hoffman got the boys off to a flying start thanks to his 11th minute strike.

The goal came from a neat move down the left wing before the ball was whipped in and finished with a well directed header into the top corner.

While the Under 23s then pushed for a second and dominated the game, they failed to take their opportunities, thanks to resolute defence from the Azkals, and the score remained the same at half time.

Australia were denied a second when Fulham-s Neil Etheridge made a fine flying save to stop what appeared to be a goal-bound Dimitri Petratos free kick.

From there the two sides engaged in a tight tussle where few opportunities were available to either side as the Under 23s kept yet another clean sheet.

The Qantas Australian Under 23s take on the UAE on February 22.