FOOTBALL – OLYMPICS –
The Olympic Men’s Football Tournament has advanced to the finals but the Australian men’s side will have to wait another four years for its next medal chance after losing to Egypt 2-0 on Wednesday, July 28.
The Olyroos were one of the first outfits to catch the eye of the world at Tokyo2020 with an unexpected win on Thursday, July 22, against Argentina who were one of the tournament’s top gold-medal contenders.
The Aussies crashed to finish fourth in their group on three points following two subsequent losses against Spain (1-0) on Sunday, July 25, and Egypt (2-0) on the following Wednesday.
Their overall result was encouraging for Olyroos and Socceroos Head Coach, Graham Arnold.
Arnold built his coaching career from a successful three-year stint with the Mariners (2010-2013) which included three top two finishes, one premiership and one championship.
This history may have influenced the on-field form in the Argentina game when, in the 14th minute, the combination of two former Mariners first broke through the Argentinian defence.
The goal scorer was Lachlan Wales, who played the 2017/18 season with the Mariners before transferring to Melbourne City and then Western United in 2020.
He was assisted by Mitchell Duke who played with the Mariners from 2011 to 2015.
Duke’s assist came via a deflection on Joel King’s low cross that bounced favourably at the feet of Wales, but Duke certainly drew the attention of the final defender and goalkeeper to open up the space.
Two assists came from Duke, each delivered to scoring teammates who were called into the squad late.
in the 80th minute, a second goal came for Australia with Duke’s incisive run along the side, preceding a light pass to fresh substitute, Tilio who – first touch – curled the ball beyond the outstretched gloves of Argentinian keeper Jeremias Ledesma.
The match has been one of the largest upsets at the Games so far and allowed the Olyroos to momentarily lead their pool.
It was followed by two losses in a row so the Olyroos’ only lasting impact in the tournament was to prevent Argentina from advancing.
The game against Spain was another tight contest that finally broke in the 81st minute with the European powerhouse’s first goal of the tournament.
It was scored 17 minutes after the debut entrance of the Mariner’s centre back and local, Kye Rowles who was outmatched by to Mikel Oyarzabal’s pinpoint header into the bottom corner after a cross from Real Madrid’s Marco Asensio.
Entering the Olympics after playing for Spain’s first-tier national team in the UEFA Euro 2020 throughout June and July, Asensio’s high, receding lob into the penalty box was well placed to loom near over Rowles’ head, who attempted to meet the ball before it crossed Oyarzabal’s brow.
The young defender had another chance in the team in the match-up against Egypt, a game in which they needed draw to ensure their passage into the quarter finals.
Goals conceded within the final five minutes of both halves meant it was not to be.
Rowles was present for both.
Egypt returned in the quarter final against Brazil, a game they lost 1-0.
Spain moved into a semi final against Japan after defeating Côte D’Ivoire, 5-2 in extra time.
The other semi final was between Mexico and Brazil with Spain v Japan to follow.
CCN