Thu, 28 Oct, 2021
Bangkok: Charlie Devereux and Jamal Reiners scored as Australia maintained their 100% record at the AFC U-16 Championship after edging out Hong Kong 2-0 at Rajamangala Stadium on Monday.
Devereux netted his eye-catching strike after 27 minutes of the Group B contest before Reiners ensured Tony Vidmar's Joeys followed up Saturday's opening 3-0 win over China with four minutes remaining as Australia seek a maiden AFC U-16 Championship this month in Thailand.
Hong Kong, meanwhile, suffered a second consecutive defeat of the campaign despite again producing a hard-fought display as seen in their 2-0 defeat by Japan at the weekend.
"Six points is what we were looking for after two games, but the performance was disappointing," said Australia coach Vidmar, who will see his side round off their group stage campaign against two-time winners Japan on Wednesday.
"We turned over possession too easy and allowed Hong Kong to have control of the game at times. We were fortunate it stayed 0-0 as they had an open goal, but then we scored straight after.
"I am happy with the three points, but not with the way we played."
Having beaten Hong Kong 2-0 during last year's qualifiers, Australia started the contest at a humid Rajamangala Stadium on the front foot and Reiners registered the first shot on goal after just four minutes as goalkeeper Tse Ka-wing was forced into a regulation save low to his left.
Australia's dominance continued as the half progressed, but as with in the first half of their opener against Japan, the Hong Kong defence stood firm as Devereux fired a tame effort straight at Tse from outside the penalty area after 20 minutes.
But despite their early dominance, Australia should have found themselves behind three minutes later as Cheng Chin-lung's ball across the face of goal found Ho Shing-yeun unmarked at the back post with the goal at his mercy, but the midfielder rushed his effort and inexplicably fired wide from inside the six yard area.
And Australia took full advantage in spectacular fashion after 27 minutes as Reiners fed Devereux and the midfielders rising strike looped over stranded Hong Kong goalkeeper Tse and into the top corner from outside of the penalty area.
Australia finished the half on top and Tse was forced to push away Jake Brimmer's free-kick five minutes before half-time.
And Australia thought they had doubled their advantage eight minutes into the second half but Reiners had strayed narrowly offside before directing a glancing header from Devereux's cross over Tse from close to penalty spot.
Vidmar's side continued to dominate in torrential rain which arrived midway through the second half but struggled to find a second.
But with four minutes remaining, Brimmer skipped past a sliding challenge on the right, and after confidently charging towards the byline, the midfielder squared the ball for Reiners to tap into the unguarded net from close range to seal the win with Tse drawn out of position.
"The first half was quite good with a good balance between both teams and both teams had chances to score," said Hong Kong coach Xavi Bravo, with the tournament debutants set to round off their group stage campaign against China on Wednesday.
"In the second half it was difficult for us as some of the players became tired. And when it started to rain it was more difficult to get the ball and keep possession and Australia felt more comfortable in the weather conditions.
"I am quite happy with the players, but the last goal was disappointing as we didn't defend well, but I am proud of the players."