Photo Credit: World Sports Group

Australia has been defeated 2-0 by Japan in their opening match of the 2015 AFC U19 Championships in Nanjing, China.

Two first half goals from Rikako Kobayashi were enough for Nadeshiko to claim all three points.

Australia held their own in the opening minutes against the tournament favourites, the Young Matildas were made to pay for a poor defensive header as Kobayashi slotted home in the 11th minute.

On top on the scoreboard, Japan controlled possession in the first half with the Young Matildas struggling to gain a foot hold into the match.

The 29th minute saw Japan double their lead with Kobayashi volleying home her second goal of the afternoon from after a short corner set play.

Japan comfortably held onto in the first half to lead 2-0 going into the break.

The second half saw a better performance from Australia with Young Matildas hold the ball and pressing the Japanese in their own third.

[AFC website: Full Match Report and Statistics]

Australia's best chance of the match came in the 65th minute when captain Amy Harrison unleashed from distance only to see the strike cannon into the upright.

Goalkeeper Teagan Micah made two crucial saves late in the match to contain the damage. Despite spells of good combination play, ultimately the classy Japanese proved too strong.

Australia next face hosts China in a "must win" match on Thursday, 20 August 2015 at  Jiangning Sports Centre Stadium, Nanjing.

Match Details

Japan  2 (Kobayashi  11' / 29')

Australia     

Tuesday 18 August 2015

Jiangsu Training Base Stadium, Nanjing

Kick-Off 4.00pm (local), 6.00pm (AEST)

Australia line up: 1. Teagan MICAH, 3. Emma CHECKER, 4. Ellie CARPENTER, 5. Angela BEARD, 7. Sunny FRANCO (20. Princess IBINI-ISEI  59'), 8. Amy HARRISON, 11. Beattie GOAD (22. Georgia PLESSAS  83'), 12. Larissa CRUMMER, 15. Kobie FERGUSON (19. Ayesha KIRBY 71'), 17. Olivia PRICE, 23. Clare WHEELER

Young Matildas’ Squad

1. Teagan MICAH, 2. Brooke MILLER, 3. Emma CHECKER, 4. Ellie CARPENTER, 5. Angela BEARD, 6. Natalie TOBIN, 7. Sunny FRANCO, 8. Amy HARRISON,9. Jordan BARKER, 10. Alex CHIDIAC, 11. Beattie GOAD, 12. Larissa CRUMMER, 13. Sophie NENADOVIC, 14. Chloe O'BRIEN, 15. Kobie FERGUSON, 16. Tara PENDER, 17. Olivia PRICE, 18. Hannah SOUTHWELL, 19. Ayesha KIRBY, 20. Princess IIBINI-ISEI, 21. Jada MATHYSSEN WHYMAN, 22. Georgia PLESSAS, 23. Clare WHEELER