Young Roos smash Singapore

Australia now only needs a point from their remaining two matches to qualify for the tournament.

Sam Gallagher opened the scoring for the Young Socceroos in the 7th minute when he headed home after a Kliment Taseski free kick.

The lead was doubled just before the half-hour mark after Rhyan Grant was fouled in the box and Steve Lustica converted the resulting penalty.

Grant had a goal of his own two minutes later when he was on hand to clean up the rebound following a stinging Tommy Oar shot from 30 metres out which was blocked by the Singaporean goalkeeper.

Two minutes into the second half Dylan McGowan made a break through the midfield and then passed to Kofi Danning in the attacking third. Danning played a one-two with Eli Babalj outside the box and then whipped in a ball to Dimitrios Petratos at the far post. Petratos was able to get a foot onto it and slid his shot past the diving 'keeper.

Ten minutes later Oar made a run into the box and was fouled giving the Qantas Young Socceroos their second penalty of the match. This time Eli Babalj made no mistake with his shot from the spot.

On the hour mark, a piece of individual skill saw Danning win the ball on the left side of the field, beat two defenders on his way into the box and then unleash a shot on goal which was again well parried by the keeper. This time the rebound fell to the feet of the Young Socceroos captain, Ben Kantarovski, who calmly placed his shot into the goal.

In the 70th minute Petratos passed from the midfield to James Virgili, who then worked his way down the left side of the field. Virgili floated in a cross to Danning at the far post who connected with a looping header over the 'keeper to record his first ever international goal.

The scoring was completed in the 78th minute when Petratos played his corner kick into the box creating a goal-mouth scramble which ended with the ball landing at the feet of Kantarovski who tapped in from close range.

Although the result was convincing, coach Jan Versleijen still saw areas for improvement by his team.

“The first half was disappointing, we were not sharp enough and didn't put enough pressure on the opposition," the Dutchman said.

“I was a lot happier with the second half. Our structure was a lot better and the play from midfield to the forwards was more creative. The goals then flowed from our improving play.

“It was also good to give some other players an opportunity and they did well after being given their chance."

In the other matches, Indonesia defeated Chinese Taipei 6-0 and Japan accounted for Hong Kong 3-0. The Young Socceroos will face Indonesia in their next match of the tournament on Saturday (Sunday AEDT).

The top two teams from the AFC U-19 Championship 2010 Qualifiers will progress to the AFC U-19 Championship 2010 which will be held from 1-16 November. The host nation for the tournament will be determined later this month by the AFC Competitions Committee who are considering hosting bids from China, Thailand and Indonesia.