Young Roos snatch title

It was the Young Socceroos' second AFF under-19 title in three years.

Thailand started the game in a confident manner knowing that the Australians had not managed to beat them on three previous occasions over the past two years.

But a late goal by Eli Babalj was enough to overcome a very tactically disciplined team and make amends for Australia’s heartbreaking 2009 loss to Thailand on penalties.

After one of his dynamic forays on the right Ben Halloran whipped in a cross that proved too hard for goalkeeper Wasan Narsuan to handle.

The ball slipped out of his grasp and Babalj was there to pounce and poke it into the Thailand goal.

The goal sparked a ferocious response from Thailand which got forward at every opportunity, providing some anxious moments for the Aussie defence.

Australia’s goal was bombarded with shots and crosses but none of them really tested the safe hands of goalkeeper Mark Birighitti.

“Thailand made things difficult for us once again. They are a very disciplined side and have a few excellent technical players,” coach Jan Versleijen said.

“Credit must go to not only the players but to the whole staff as to win this championship we had to play four tough games in seven days in hot and humid conditions.

“The physical monitoring, recovery sessions, massage, appropriate nutrition and hydration were equally important as the technical and tactical input.”