The Subway Olyroos have clinched third place at their maiden Maurice Revello Tournament appearance following a 2-0 triumph over host nation France in the early hours of Monday morning (AEST).
Midfielders Jake Hollman and Louis D’Arrigo scored for the Aussies in the first half, leading to a controlled second-half performance against a France U21 side (predominantly U19) boasting plenty of quality.
Tony Vidmar made wholesales changes, 10 to be precise, with just Louis D’Arrigo retaining his spot from the semi-final defeat against Panama.
It was D’Arrigo who fired in the first chance of the match in the sixth minute, getting in front of his opponent before driving a low shot into the gloves of Justin Bengui Joao.
In the 21st minute, Australia generated an even better opportunity when Marlee Francois connected with Garang Kuol’s clipped cross to the back post but his header was saved by the France goalkeeper.
But Vidmar’s side did not have to wait much longer, opening the scoring just before the half-hour mark.
Alou Kuol struck a powerful, deflected free-kick and was parried by Bengui Joao but Hollman was quickest to react on the rebound to make it 1-0.
D’Arrigo doubled the Green and Gold’s advantage right on the stroke of half time, thanks in large to Alou Kuol’s persistence and desperation, dispossessing the goalkeeper before his cut-back found the young midfielder, who calmly steered his finish home.
Cameron Cook was deployed in goal at the start of the second-half for Ethan Cox, while France performed two alterations of their own. Bayern Munich starlet Mathys Tel and Monaco attacking midfielder Eliesse Ben Seghir.
Bengui Joao was equal to Hollman’s daisy cutter from outside of the box, diving low to his right to tip behind the strike before moments later went even closer to grabbing his second and the Subway Olyroos’ third.
The Macarthur midfielder dribbled forward and cut inside the box, unleashing a left-footed attempt that cannoned off the crossbar in the 59th minute.
The impressive Alou Kuol had to be substituted with 15 minutes remaining after picking up an injury, his replacement, Noah Botic, later had an effort acrobatically cleared off the goal-line.
However, that was not before Vidmar emptied his bench as Australia navigated the final exchanges to secure a comfortable 2-0 victory against the hosts.
France 0
Australia 2 (Hollman 29′, D’Arrigo 45+3′)
Date: Sunday, 18 June 2023
Venue: Stade d’Honneur Marcel Roustan
Australia Lineup: 18. Ethan Cox (GK) (12. Cameron Cook (GK) 46′), 17. Jacob Italiano (C), 15. Hosine Bility (4. Jordan Courtney-Perkins 65′), 21. Kai Trewin, 5. Lucas Mauragis, 6. Calem Nieuwenhof 16. Ryan Teague 78′), 8. Louis D’Arrigo, 20. Jake Hollman, 11. Garang Kuol (7. Cameron Peupion 79′), 9. Alou Kuol (19. Noah Botic 74′), 22. Marlee Francois (23. Nishan Velupillay 79′)
Substitutes not used: 1. Nicholas Bilokapic (GK), 2. Callum Talbot, 3. Joshua Rawlins, 14. Keegan Jelacic
Unavailable due to injury: 10. Marco Tilio, 24. Nectarios Triantis
Suspended: 13. Jacob Farrell
