Having won all three matches, Australia will play the Group B runners-up in the quarter-finals with China PR to face the top side.
Both teams made wholesome changes to their starting line-ups having already qualified into the knockout stage following convincing wins against Kyrgyz Republic and Qatar respectively.
It was Australia who had the first sight on goal in the ninth minute after Jaylan Pearman found space at the centre before shooting his long range effort over the bar.
The Young Socceroos played a high-pressing game and their focus paid off in the 23rd minute when China PR keeper Liu Qiwei failed to hold onto Louis Agosti’s dangerous through ball into the box, allowing Medin Memeti to nutmeg Liu and slot the ball into the back of the net.
China PR fell further behind two minutes later after Agosti found the back of the net with his shot coming off Qi Qiancheng before settling into the back of the net.
The home side struck back just before the half-hour mark through Kuai Jiwen, who collected Xu Junchi’s cross from inside the box before volleying home.
China PR started the second half with increased pressure and forced Alex Robinson into two fine saves in the 48th minute with the Australian custodian palming away Kuai Jiwen’s effort before repelling Zhang Zhixiong’s attempt from inside the box.
Group A – MD3: China PR v Australia
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Australia were almost punished in the 61st minute after Wang Yifan sent a delightful cross into the box, only for substitute Mao Weijie to angle his diving header wide, while Du Yuezheng was also wasteful after sending his header across the face of the goal
China PR continued to push for the equaliser but their attempts fell in vain as Australia held firm to complete their group stage campaign with a perfect record.
