Olyroos’ Paris Olympic dreams hanging by a thread after disastrous loss to Indonesia
The Olyroos’ shock 1-0 loss to Indonesia has left their hopes of qualifying for the Olympic Games in tatters.
To guarantee themselves a spot at this year’s Paris Games, the Olyroos must finish in the top three at the under-23 Asian Cup in Qatar, while fourth will earn them a playoff against African nation Guinea for an Olympics berth.
However, the Australians have acquired just one point from their opening two Group A matches and are yet to score a goal.
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To have any hope of securing the top-two pool berth needed to progress to the quarter-finals, the Olyroos must beat runaway Group A leaders Qatar on Monday morning (AEST).
The Australians also need Jordan – who also have one point from two Group A games – to beat Indonesia in a game also being played on Monday morning, but not by a greater margin than their own potential than their own required win over Qatar as both the Olyroos and Jordan currently have the same goal difference (-1).
Qatar has already secured a quarter-final berth with six points from two games, while Indonesia, who have three points, only need a draw against Jordan to also progress to the last eight.
The Olyroos had chances to beat Indonesia, including a first-half penalty from striker Mohamed Toure that was saved by goalkeeper Ernando Ari.
The Australians then fell behind in the 45th minute when Komang Teguh headed home from close range.
Olyroos coach Tony Vidmar brought on a host of attackers in the second half, including the Kuol brothers Alou and Garang, but Indonesia held on to put a massive dent in the Australians’ hopes of Olympic Games qualification.
Read on foxsports.com.au
