The Subway Olyroos’ AFC Under-23 Asian Cup campaign is over at the group stage after a 0-0 draw against Qatar on Monday morning saw Tony Vidmar’s side finish third in their group after taking two points from their three matches.
It also spells the end of their Olympic dream with the tournament doubling as a qualifier for the Paris Games.
The Olyroos dominated 75% possession and took seven shots on target to one, but could not convert their chances as their tournament ended at the hands of the hosts.
Seven current Isuzu UTE A-League players started in the final group clash, which was a must win after a draw with Jordan and a loss to Indonesia:
- Jake Hollman (Macarthur FC)
- Nicolas Milanovic (Western Sydney Wanderers)
- Ryan Teague (Melbourne Victory)
- Lachlan Brook (Western Sydney Wanderers)
- Jacob Farrell (Central Coast Mariners)
- Jordan Courtney-Perkins (Sydney FC)
- Patrick Beach (Melbourne City)
Meanwhile, Keegan Jelacic (Brisbane Roar), Alou Kuol (Central Coast Mariners), Jake Girdwood-Reich (Sydney FC) and Mark Natta (Newcastle Jets) all featured off the bench.
It means Australia will not be represented in men’s football at the Olympic Games for the third edition in four, having finished 12th in 2020 under Graham Arnold including a historic win over Argentina.
In five appearances at the AFC U23 Asian Cup, this is the first time the Olyroos have failed to win a game and their first group stage exit since 2018.
