The Qantas Young Matildas have qualified for the AFC Youth Women’s Championship in Malaysia next month, after a convincing 6-0 win over Myanmar at the Supachalasai National Stadium in Bangkok, Thailand overnight.
Combined with the 6-2 victory over the host-nation on Sunday, last night's result ensured Australia will top the three team group regardless of the Thursday's final match between Thailand and Myanmar.
A hat-trick from Qantas Matilda midfielder Kylie Ledbrook was the highlight with NSW team-mate Servet Uzunlar grabbing a double while Queensland striker Sasha McDonnell also scored after netting twice in the match against Thailand.
With Australia knowing that a win would clinch top spot in the group coach Alistair Edwards fielded the same starting line-up as two days earlier. The match was once again played in high humidity with Australia dominated from the outset with Myanmar content to sit deep and let Australia make the running.
After holding a two goal advantage at half time the Australians finished the match strongly scoring four times in the final 20 minutes.
Coach Alistair Edwards was pleased with the win, but acknowledged more needs to be done in time for the AFC Championships.
"We controlled the game from the start to finish," said Edwards. "Myanmar presented a different challenge to Thailand, and the players adapted very well.
"We've played four games in the last two weeks (two matches v NZ, plus these two qualifiers), and scored 19 goals for and 3 goals against. The improvement in the team in this time has been very pleasing.
"Our results have been good, but we know that we've still got some work to do before the AFC Championships in Malaysia."
The majority of the players will remain in Thailand for several more days for extra training in similar conditions to what is expected next month in Malaysia. Five of the squad have returned to Australia early, to join up with the Qantas Matildas, who are in camp in Canberra.
The top three Asian teams will qualify for the 2006 FIFA U-20 Women’s World Championship to be played in Russia in September.