Qantas Joeys World Cup qualifying draw

The Qantas Joeys face a tough path to the 2009 U-17 World Cup following the Asian qualifying draw overnight, with Australia grouped alongside Saudi Arabia and China - both two-time Asian Champions - and Turkmenistan.

The Qantas Joeys face a tough path to the 2009 U-17 World Cup following the Asian qualifying draw overnight, with Australia grouped alongside Saudi Arabia and China - both two-time Asian Champions - and Turkmenistan.

The 16-nation AFC U-16 Championship will be held in Uzbekistan from October 4-19 with the top four nations to qualify for next year's World Cup in Nigeria.

"This would undoubtedly be the toughest group on paper but the most difficult thing is that we don't yet know the relative strengths of most of the teams,” said Australian coach Martyn Crook who attended the draw in the Uzbek capital of Tashkent.

"Both Saudi Arabia and China have twice previously been crowned Asian champions and have a strong record at this level.

"Turkmenistan are a neighbouring country to the hosts and will to some degree be experienced with the conditions.

"The opening match of the campaign against Saudi Arabia will be crucial."

Australia have a strong record at youth level and were runners-up at the FIFA U-17 World Cup in 1999.

AFC U-16 Championship - Group C Fixtures:

Australia v Saudi Arabia Sunday 5 October

Australia v China Tuesday 7 October

Australia v Turkmenistan Thursday 9 October