Ryan Teague struck late to help the Olyroos close out a 3-2 win over a Mediterranean Select outfit in their second game at the Maurice Revello Tournament.
Tony Vidmar made six changes to the side that drew with Qatar two days earlier, and the Olyroos started brightly.
In a goal-packed first 45, Australia went two goals up before finding themselves back level at the break.
The opening goal came after less than six minutes, with Garang Kuol played over the top and cutting the ball across for Nishan Velupillay, who made no mistake tapping home.
In the 22nd minute that same combination provided Australia’s second, with Kuol’s low powerful effort parried into the path of the Melbourne Victory youngster, who converted once again.
Six minutes later the Mediterranean side pulled one back as Ibrahim Mandefu cannoned one in off the underside of the crossbar, before Theo Trinker equalised with a well-struck effort from the edge of the area in the 42nd minute.
After an even start to the second half, Australia went close on a couple of occasions as Alou Kuol flashed one across the face of goal in the 63rd minute and substitute Marco Tilio was denied from close range in the 77th.
Kuol nearly popped up with the winner inside the final ten minutes, but he was denied once again by a strong save from close range.
In the 86th minute, the decisive goal did arrive for Australia.
A Tilio set piece was headed goalwards by Jordan Courtney-Perkins, deflecting into the path of Ryan Teague who hooked home Australia’s third.
The victory leaves the Olyroos on four points heading into their final group game against Mexico on Monday.
Australia 3 (Velupillay 6′,22′, Teague 86′)
Mediterranean Select 2 (Mandefu 28′, Trinker 42′)
Date: Friday, 9 June 2023
Venue: Stade d’Honneur, Mallemort
Australia Lineup: 1. Nicholas Bilokapic (GK), 4. Jordan Courtney-Perkins, 5. Lucas Mauragis, 9. Alou Kuol (19. Noah Botic 86′), 11. Garang Kuol (7. Cameron Peupion 66′), 14. Keegan Jelacic (10. Marco Tilio 66′), 15. Hosine Bility (3. Joshua Rawlins 28′), 16. Ryan Teague, 17. Jacob Italiano (C), 20. Jake Hollman, 23. Nishan Velupillay (22. Marlee Francois 66′)
Substitutes not used: 2. Callum Talbot, 6. Calem Nieuwenhof, 8. Louis D’Arrigo, 12. Cameron Cook (GK), 13. Jacob Farrell, 18. Ethan Cox (GK), 21. Kai Trewin, 24. Nectarios Triantis
How to watch
All group stage matches involving Australia will be LIVE on ESPN, Channel 509 on Foxtel, while all other group stage matches (including Australia’s) plus the semi-finals and final will be streamed LIVE via the WatchESPN App.
Maurice Revello Tournament 2023 – Ranking Matches – Schedule
2.00pm (local), Thursday, 14 June: 11th vs 12th and 7th vs 8th at Arles & Miramas
6.00pm (local), Thursday, 14 June: 9th vs 10th and 5th vs 6th at Arles & Miramas
Maurice Revello Tournament 2023 – Semi-Finals – Schedule
2.30pm (local) Friday, 15 June: Semi-Final #1 at Salon
6.00pm (local) Friday, 15 June: Semi-Final #2 at Salon
Maurice Revello Tournament 2023 – Finals – Schedule
2.30pm (local) Sunday, 18 June: 3rd vs 4th at Salon
6.00pm (local) Sunday, 18 June: Final at Salon
A championship system will be in operation for this tournament, where each team is playing for three points for a win, one point for a draw, and zero points for a defeat. In the event of a tie at the end of a match, a penalty shoot-out will be held. The team that wins the penalty shoot-out will receive an additional point in the ranking.
