The Subway Olyroos’ AFC U23 Asian Cup Qatar 2024™ campaign and Paris Olympics dream have ended following a 0-0 draw against Qatar U23 at the Jassim bin Hamad Stadium on Monday morning (AEST).
The Aussies dominated the hosts for large periods of the match but could not convert their chances created to finish Group A in third spot with two points.
Tony Vidmar made three changes from the loss to Indonesia with Rhys Youlley, Lachlan Brook, and Nicolas Milanovic returning to the starting XI.
Australia came out of the blocks with a real intent and urgency in the opening exchanges knowing what was at stake. While the permutations were a little complicated for the Olyroos to advance, they knew they just had to win first and foremost, and then hope Indonesia failed to collect any points against Jordan.
Vidmar’s men controlled possession before Brook had the first sighting at goal, firing a half-volley wide of goalkeeper Ali Nader Korayem.
Jake Hollman unfortunately succumbed to injury in the 21st minute and had to be replaced by Keegan Jelacic.
Youlley forced the Qatar gloveman into a strong save at the near post after being slipped through by Jacob Italiano.
Just prior to the interval, Brook clipped a ball forward for Italiano, who made a darting run into the 18-yard box, but he was unable to steer his attempt on target.
Australia’s search for its first goal of the tournament continued when Brook could not capitalise on a ‘keeper error and overhit his effort.
Mark Natta and Jake Girdwood-Reich both received their first minutes of the tournament on the hour mark with every outfield player in the squad having now featured.
Twenty minutes from time, the Kuol brothers – Alou and Garang – were introduced as the Green and Gold remained determined to get something out of the match.
Jelacic saw a thumping strike on the half-volley parried onto the upright and compounding the Aussies’ luckless streak in front of goal.
Ryan Teague had a volley late on inside the area but it was blocked by the defender, deflecting out for a corner as the Aussies could not find the winner.
Although, it proved inconsequential with Indonesia defeating Jordan 4-1 and Australia exiting the competition.
Starting XI: 12. Patrick Beach (GK); 17. Jacob Italiano (C), 3. Alexandar Popovic (20. Mark Natta 61′), 4. Jordan Courtney-Perkins (15. Jake Girdwood-Reich 61′), 5. Jacob Farrell; 6. Ryan Teague, 13. Rhys Youlley (22. G. Kuol 69′), 10. Jake Hollman (8. Keegan Jelacic 22′); 7. Lachlan Brook, 19. Mohamed Toure (9. A. Kuol 69′), 14. Nicolas Milanovic
Substitutes not used: 1. Cameron Cook (GK), 2. Callum Talbot, 11. Nishan Velupillay, 16. Jordi Valadon, 18. Steven Hall (GK), 21. Adrian Segecic, 23. Lucas Mauragis
AFC U-23 ASIAN CUP QATAR 2024™ FINALS – GROUP A
Australia 0
Jordan 0
Monday, 15 April 2024
Kick-off: 4pm (local) / 11pm AEST
Abdullah Bin Khalifa Stadium, Doha
Indonesia 1 (Komang Teguh 45′)
Australia 0
Thursday, 18 April 2024
Kick-off: 4pm (local) / 11pm AEST
Abdullah Bin Khalifa Stadium, Doha
Qatar 0
Australia 0
Sunday, 21 April 2024
Kick-off: 6:30pm (local) / 1:30am AEST (Monday, 22 April)
Jassim Bin Hamad Stadium, Doha
