Action from Australia v China PR : AFC/SIMON YAP

KUALA LUMPUR: China held off a determined Australian challenge to draw 0-0 on Monday and finish top of Group A in the AFC Under-16 Women’s Championship at MPPJ Stadium. China needed only a draw to win the group following their 3-1 victory over Korea Republic last week. But they had to work hard to preserve their unbeaten record in the group as Australia at times outplayed the favourites with their battling performance. China, with four points, are joined in the semi-finals by Korea Republic, who defeated Australia 3-1 on Saturday to finish second in the group. Chinese coach Wang Hong said her team would have to improve if they are to win their semi-final. “We were a bit tired and did not play our best today,” said Wang. “The players struggled today but we will be better for the next game.

“We must play better if we want to get into the final.”

Australian coach Michael Mulvey was satisfied with his team’s performance but disappointed that they have been eliminated. “I think we showed what we are capable of but at the same time we also showed what we were missing,” said Mulvey.

“We need a bit of craft in the last third of the pitch and didn’t take the chances that we created. Having said that, I’m happy with the way we played in this tournament and I told the girls that we have to understand defeat if we are to eventually win.” Australia, needing to win by three goals to advance to the semi-finals, dominated the first half against a defensive China. Despite a number of chances for Australia, the teams went into the break goalless. It was China who came out more determined in the second half and nearly opened the scoring in the 55th minute when Xu Lanyu scraped the crossbar with a long-range effort from 25 yards out. Seven minutes later, it was Australia’s turn to attack. Sophie Hogben had the small but vocal group of Australian supporters on their feet when he battled through on her own before unleashing a shot from the edge of the area. However, the ball whipped over the bar, much to the relief of China goalkeeper and captain Chu Qiao. The Aussies had another chance to take the lead in the 21st minute when Rhali Dobson was one-on-one with Chu. However, the angle was too narrow from left and Dobson shot across the goal with Chu getting a slight touch. Lou Jiahui was next to make her presence felt as she ran wide down the right and sent a cross-shot that sailed over Aussie goalkeeper Casey Dumont’s head and bounced on the bar. Australia refused to give up and continued to throw players forward. However, China’s defence had too much experience and held on for the draw. China have not beaten Australia in their past two matches, having lost 2-1 recently in Sydney. But it is the Chinese who go through to the semi-finals while Australia, despite playing some excellent and entertaining football, go home.