Lujic and Nichols see off China in Bangkok

The Qantas Young Socceroos have come from an early goal down to beat China 3-1 in its opening game of the AFF U19 Championship at the Rajamangala Stadium in Bangkok, Thailand.

The Qantas Young Socceroos have come from an early goal down to beat China 3-1 in its opening game of the AFF U19 Championship at the Rajamangala Stadium in Bangkok, Thailand.

Two goals from Melbourne Victory midfielder Milos Lujic and one from Queensland Roar midfielder Mitch Nichols, sealed the impressive victory in the four-team tournament.

It was however a sluggish start by Australia, as China took the lead through Piao Cheng after just four minutes, who blasted home after Tan Yang-s initial shot was blocked.

But it only took the young Aussie team two minutes to restore parity, when Lujic raced through and made no mistake with his shot.

Lujic made it 2-1 six minutes later when he met a Tahj Minniecon corner; heading home powerfully and

Both sides kept up the attacking play, but while both sides had several good chances to score, it was Nichols that grabbed Australia-s third goal heading home a cross from Peter Cvetanovski with approximately 15 minutes remaining.

Match Details

Qantas Young Socceroos 3 (Milos Lujic 6-/12-, Mitch Nichols 74-) China 1 (Piao Cheng 4-)

Australian line-up: Alex Cisak, Peter Cvetanovski, Seb Ryall, Tahj Minniecon (Sam Munro 78-), James Holland, Milos Lujic (Jason Naidovski 67-), Mitchell Nichols, Nikolas Tsattalios, Tom Oar, Ryan McGowan, Andreas Govas (Scott Balderson 30-)

Yellow Cards: Peter Cvetanovski 35-, Scott Balderson 85-

Red Cards: Nil