The CommBank Olyroos continued their red-hot start in AFC Under-23 Asian Cup qualifying as a host of Isuzu UTE A-League young guns starred in a 6-0 rout of Timor-Leste.
Australia made it two wins from two matches thanks to Saturday’s resounding victory, after last week’s opening 14-0 demolition of Northern Islands.
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Central Coast Mariners defender Nathan Paull led the way with a brace as the Olyroos moved within one win of Asian Cup qualification – top spot and automatic qualification is on the line when they meet hosts China in Group D on Tuesday.
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Tony Vidmar’s Australia used a three-goal first half to see off Timor-Leste as Paull, Perth Glory’s Nathanael Blair – who scored four goals in the opening match – and Matthew Grimaldi found the back of the net.
Paull added his second at the death after Melbourne Victory forward Jing Reec and Western Sydney Wanderers midfielder Aydan Hammond capped the scoring in China.
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Australia’s starting XI against Timor-Leste included Melbourne City goalkeeper Patrick Beach, Victory pair Joshua Rawlins and Jordi Valadon, Western Sydney trio Hammond, Aidan Simmons and Anthony Pantazopoulos, Blair, Paull and Grimaldi and Abel Walatee, who were at Western United last season.
Australia are eyeing Asian Cup qualification. The Aussies must finish as one of 11 group winners or one the four best second-placed teams in their four-nation group to advance to the tournament set to take place in Saudi Arabia in 2026.
Featured image: AFC
