Young Roos routed

Out-classed and out-manoeuvred the Young Socceroos were second best on a night when grit and determination were never going to be enough against a Japan team in marauding mood and at its creative best.

First-half goals midfielder Gakuto Otsuda, defender Takuya Iwanami and striker Watari broke the resistance of the Young Socceroos and Japan maintained momentum after the break with both Otsuda and Wateri netting again to pile on the pain.

Japan finished top of the group with 15 points from its five games, leaving the Young Socceroos lagging behind with 10 after completing its five-game schedule.

However Paul Okon's side finished second in Group E to secure direct qualification after Indonesia beat Singapore 2-0 in the later game.

"We were beaten by a fitter and stronger Japanese team today," Okon said afterwards.

"It was a tough match for our players being out of season competing with a Japanese team that are in the middle of the J.League season, this was evident from the start of the match by the difference in fitness.

"Coming to this tournament and playing five games was a great learning experience for our young squad and today was another part of that progression.

"I am very proud of the players' performances to come here and play five hard matches in 10 days when we are in the middle of the off-season in Australia.

"We achieved our goal of qualifying for the AFC U-22 Championship and the team should be proud of this.

"This was also our first step in the preparation for the AFC U-19 Championships in November in UAE and we now look forward to the next tournament in Vietnam in September."