Young guns down Korea Republic

2 min read 28 July 2007

The Qantas Young Socceroos kicked off the Weifang Cup, with an encouraging 1-0 win over Korea Republic in stifling conditions in Weifang, China.

Adelaide United-s recent young signing Matthew Mullen scored the winner in the 73rd minute, with a well struck shot following a corner.

Both sides struggled in the early stages of the match in the hot and humid conditions, but after the break the young Australian side took the initiative and threatened on several occasions, before getting a deserved goal.

The first notable chance came just after the half time break, when Queensland Roar striker Tahj Minniecon struck his shot just over the crossbar.

That seemed to lift the confidence and Australia continued to dominate the Koreans, who continued to struggle in the heat.

Australia thought they had taken the lead in the 52nd minute, after a scramble following a corner, but was ruled out for a foul on the keeper.

Korea-s keeper made a great save to deny Australia in the 72nd minute, but from the resulting corner, Australia did take the lead.

James Holland-s corner was only half cleared by Korea and when the ball came back into the box, Mullen made no mistake with his shot inside the keeper-s right hand post.

Match Details

Australia 1 (Matthew Mullen 73-) Korea Republic 0

Australian line-up: Andrew Redmayne (GK); Luke De Vere, Sebastian Ryall, James Holland, Matthew Mullen (Bonel Obradovic 85-), Isaka Cernak-Okanya, James Brown, Tahj Minniecon, Dane Milovanovic (Richard Greer 90-), Jason Hoffman (Milos Lujic 70-), Daniel Mullen (Ante Cicak 65-)

Cautions: Milovanovic (35), Brown (66-)

The team will play another four games over the next eight days, with the next game in two days time against Iran.