A very young Westfield Young Matildas team has scored an upset 2-1 win over World Cup bound China at the AIS in Canberra today.
In the first of two friendlies in Canberra, the team which is made up of many new players that will feature in the next U/20 Women's World Cup in 2010, defeated their highly credentialed opponents who are in full preparation for the 2008 in Chile later this year.
Alesha Clifford was the Westfield Young Matildas hero grabbing a goal in each half after China has taken an early lead.
The match featured several girls who have played for the Westfield Matildas in Kyah Simon and Tameka Butt.
Like against the Westfield 'Promising' Matildas two days earlier, China took an early, when they were awarded a penalty in the 8th minute and was calmly converted.
After 20 minutes Australia started threatening and gathering momentum and were rewarded with an equalizer after 31 minutes. A free kick into the box by Elise Kellond-Knight was cleared by China and Clifford pounced to head home.
China pressed early in the second half with Casey Dumont producing several terrific saves to keep Australia in the match.
The winner came after successive corners to Australia with just under ten minutes remaining, with Clifford again heading home from Sophie Hogben's perfect delivery.
Coach Alen Stajcic was obviously delighted with the team performances as they prepare for qualification matches next month.
"It was a good result and performance in preparation for our qualifiers coming up," he said. "As an essentially U18 team competing against an U20 team going to the World Cup shows the depth of talent we have.
"I was particularly pleased with our back four considering their lack of experience at this level. It's a good foundation for us to build on now to prepare and try to qualify for the next U20 World Cup in 2010."