Young Socceroos bound for Bahrain despite Japan loss

Australia fell 3-0 to Japan in its final Group J qualifying match in Laos but the defeat meant little as the Young Socceroos qualified for the AFC U-19 Championship Bahrain 2016.

Young Socceroos coach Paul Okon must wait to see if his side will qualify for the AFC U-19 Championship Bahrain 2016 Source: Getty Images Europe

Japan broke the spirit of Paul Okon's side, scoring two goals, including a penalty, in first half stoppage time.

Koki Ogawa added a third after 71 minutes to ensure Japan topped its group with a perfect record from its three games.

The Young Socceroos, who finished on six points and a goal difference of plus-five (+5) from its three games, progressed to the finals as one of the five best second-placed teams - joining the 10 group winners and host nation Bahrain.