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Young Socceroos into final

10 October 2008 | 08:33 - FFA

Goalscorer... Nathan Elasi of the Young Socceroos (Getty)

The Young Socceroos will face Korea Republic in the final of the Asean Football Federation (AFF) Under-19 Championship after defeating hosts Thailand 2-1 in their third and final group match.

Korea Republic earned entry into the decider after seeing off China's challenge 1-0.

For Australia, it was Mitch Nichols' second goal of the tournament and a Nathan Elasi strike which delivered a 2-goal cushion, before Thailand chimed in with a late consolation goal.

With the Young Socceroos needing just a draw to book their berth in the final, the first half was somewhat of a stalemate, but Nichols soon broke the deadlock after the break with a stunning strike from 25 metres.

Elasi doubled the lead nine minutes later when he headed home a Tahj Minniecon cross, before Thailand, who needed to win to make the final, grabbed a consolation goal.

Qantas Young Socceroos Coach Jan Versleijen was pleased with another win.

"We have finished the group stage of the tournament in top position and that was our aim," he said.

"In these first three games I have used as many players as possible, but now that we're moving into the knockout stage, I will be using the strongest possible team especially as we're also preparing for the Asian Championships later in the month."

The final will be played on Sunday at the Rajamangala Stadium in Bangkok, Thailand.

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