Angela Beard in Australia's opener against Japan (Photo Credit: World Sports Group)

The Young Matildas take on hosts China in their second match of the 2015 AFC U19 Championships in Nanjing, China.

In a "must win" match, Australia meets Group A leaders after China dismantled debutantes Uzbekistan 9-0 in their opening match.

For Ante Juric's side they will be looking to bounce back after a losing 2-0 to a dominant Japan in their opener.

Japan controlled the encounter from the start their two first half goals were enough, despite Australia's improved second half performance.

“We knew Japan would be tough, but I was disappointed with our discipline in the first half as some of our players were chasing things too much," he continued.

“At half time I told them to keep their shape and try to keep possession better, and I was very impressed with our discipline in the second half."

[More: Japan down Young Matildas 2-0 in opener]

With Australia struggling to gain and keep possession of the ball during the match, the Young Matildas were unable to use their attacking strengths with Amy Harrison, Larissa Crummer, Sunny Franco and Beattie Goad well neutralised by Japan.

China, with a more physical, direct and less possession based, will provide an opportunity for Australia to share the midfield ball.

Changes will be on the cards, possibly in the centre of the park with holding midfielder Ayesha Norrie and attacking midfielders Alex Chidiac and Natalie Tobin options for Juric.

Up front the Young Matildas coach has plenty choices including Princess Ibini, Jordan Baker and Sophie Nenadovic, to name a few.

“I’ll make three of four changes, it won’t be wholesale, but we need to make a couple because physically some players did well just to get through the first match,” Juric told the-afc.com

With her hat trick against Uzbekistan on Match Day 1, Chinese midfielder Yan Jinjin will be a key threat while forward Xiao Yuyi and captain Shi Tianlun will also be ones to watch for the Steel Roses.

“I don’t know a lot about China, but they’re the home nation and it’s going to be extremely tough,” Juric told the-afc.com.

“We’re definitely going out to win, but even a draw might be good enough.”

https://twitter.com/AlannaKennedy/status/634216254379716608

Plenty is on the line for both sides with a win for Australia putting them back in contention for progressing from the group while for China the three points would seal their path to the knockout stage.

The last time Australia and China's U20s teams met, the hosts ended Australia's U20 Women's World Cup dream with a physical 2-1 win thanks to two late goals.

The match will stream live at the-afc.com and you can also follow us on Facebook and Twitter for full coverage of the campaign.

Match Details

Australia v China PR

Thursday, 20 August 2015

Jiangning Sports Centre Stadium, Nanjing

Kick-Off: 7.00pm (local), 9.00pm (AEST)

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 IBINI-ISEI, 21. Jada MATHYSSEN WHYMAN, 22. Georgia PLESSAS, 23. Clare WHEELER

Young Matildas’ Results

Japan 2 (Kobayashi  11' / 29') - Australia 0