Couldn't get it done. 💔 Even a draw would've seen Australia through to the Olympics quarter-finals, but instead the Olyroos are going home. MORE: Tokyo2020
The Olyroos’ long-awaited return to the Olympics after 13 years began with a stunning victory over global powerhouses Argentina. It ended with an ignominious 2-0 defeat to Egypt that handed the Australian footballers a brutal reality check.
An 85th minute counter-attack goal to substitute Ammar Hamdy sealed Egypt’s place in the knockout rounds – and ensured Australia bowed out in front of an estimated 3,000 fans at Miyagi Stadium.Coach Graham Arnold – a former Olympian himself, who was also assistant coach of the Olyroos in 2004 and head coach in 2008 – had promised Australia would ‘shock the world’ this tournament. The Olyroos’ so-called ‘Group of Death’, he said, was in fact a ‘Group of Dreams’.
It almost paid off, as Arzani emerged off the bench at the start of the second stanza and twice came close to scoring in an impressive individual performance. The Olyroos continually misplaced passes in transition out of defence, struggling to find composure or any genuine attacking threat. Forward Nick D’Agostino, making his first start of the tournament, soared into the air to meet a floating Lachie Wales cross near the penalty spot, but his powerful header was misdirected well over the crossbar. That 27th-minute attempt Australia’s only shot of a disappointing opening half.
Coach Graham Arnold responded immediately by bringing on Daniel Arzani, who had started in the first two matches of the tournament, and Keanu Baccus at the start of the second half.
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