Manchester United's young forward Dong Fangzhuo showed spectacular form in China's 2-0 defeat by Australia at an international friendly here on Saturday.

China and Australia both used this match as an important tune-up for the upcoming AFC Asian Cup in july. Dong was put on the bench at first, but after the visitors took a 2-0 lead in the 27th minute, China head coach Zhu Guanghu decided to bet on the 22-year-old star and brought on him on the 39th minute.

Dong went into the game quickly, lauching fierce attacks with his speed and skill. He rounded Australia's leftback Michael Beauchamp several times and fed some sharp low crosses from the right flank.

His 47th minute center nearly set up for a sliding Zheng Zhi, only to find the Charlton player missed the bullet-like ball.

Dong displayed his broad vision twice in the second half. He pulled back a little into the center midfield, then provided a well-curved pass to the far post to find his unmarked teammates.

Dong fired a threatening 25 meters drive with his left foot in the 54th minute, but was deflected by his teammate inside the box.

Dong will go with the China team to Macao, China, to meet Uzbekistan on March 27 for another friendly.

Editor: Donald