Westfield Young Matildas upset by Thailand

The Westfield Young Matildas have suffered a shock 2-1 loss against Thailand at the AFC U-19 Women’s Championship qualifying tournament in Kuala Lumpur tonight.

The Westfield Young Matildas have suffered a shock 2-1 loss against Thailand at the AFC U-19 Women-s Championship qualifying tournament in Kuala Lumpur tonight.

The loss however, while denting the pride of the Australian players, is not a disaster, with the team already qualified for next years tournament, after three first up wins, which guaranteed their place in the Championships.

Played in hot and humid conditions, Australia took the lead after 25 minutes, Adelaide United-s Rachael Quigley finishing off a Samantha Kerr cross.

But the lead lasted just two minutes, with Thailand scoring after their speedy striker Rattikan Thongsombut broke clear of the defence and beat Casey Dumont.

Confident of a big second half, Australia was stunned just two minutes after the break, when Sailom Pittayanukulsup beautifully chipped Dumont.

Thailand then held on for the upset win and thus finished on top of the group, with Australia in second place.

“Thailand deserved to win, they defended well,” said Alen Stajcic.

"We made some errors that allowed our opponents their opportunities which they capitalised on.

"We will reflect on the past week's four qualification matches and focus on improving our game for 2009."

Match Details

AUSTRALIA 1 (Rachael Quigley 25-) THAILAND 2

AUSTRALIA LINE-UP: Casey Dumont, Alesha Clifford, Ruth Blackburn, Bronwyn Studman, Teresa Polias, Samantha Kerr (Marianna Tabain 82-), Sophie Hogben (Emily van Egmond 64-), Ella Mastrantonio, Tameka Butt (c), Rachael Quigley (Ashleigh Sykes 57-), Kyah Simon

Yellow Cards: Mastrantonio (58'), Blackburn (89')