Young Socceroos secure quarter-final place in AFC Under-19 Championship

09/11/2012 9:43:00 AM

Australia left it late to claim progression from the group stage at the expense of Saudi Arabia, with Corey Gameiro again coming to the rescue

By GOAL.COM

Australia have reached the quarter-finals of the AFC Under-19 Championship in the United Arab Emirates, with Corey Gameiro again the hero for the Young Socceroos.

Requiring a draw against Saudi Arabia in their final Group D match, Paul Okon's men seemed destined for an early exit after Fhad Al Muwallad's 57th-minute strike put the Young Socceroos behind.

But Gameiro struck his third goal of the tournament in stoppage time to secure a share of the points, thus keeping his side's semi-finals hopes - and subsequent 2013 Fifa Under-20 World Cup chances - alive and well.

With Australia sitting back to seemingly play for a draw, Saudi Arabia attacked with intent and first tested opposing goalkeeper Paul Izzo with Saleh Khalid's shot on 26 minutes.

With chances scarce, Saudi Arabia found the goal they were looking for 12 minutes into the second half, when Al Muwallad's powerful shot beat Izzo.

It sparked Australia into action, with Western Sydney Wanderers midfielder Reece Caira going close with his header five minutes later.

The Young Socceroos then kept their tournament alive when FC Eindhoven striker Gameiro - having arrived in the game as a substitute for Ryan Edwards in the 65th minute - got on the end of Terry Antonis' deft pass to find the back of the net past goalkeeper Ali Al Harbi.

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