The Olyroos have fallen to a second straight defeat against Korea Republic, going down 2-1 in their friendly in Incheon on Monday night.
Having lost 2-0 to the same opponents on Friday, Aurelio Vidmar’s side were hoping to turn the tables on their hosts but came up short against the AFC powerhouses.
MATCH REPORT: Olyroos downed by Korea Republic
Korea started the brighter of the two sides and dominated possession.
While the Olyroos scrambled well to stay on level terms, it was only a matter of time before the home side went ahead via Ryu Seungwoo’s header.
Ross County’s Socceroo Jackson Irvine went close to an equaliser from a set-piece after the break as Vidmar made a raft of changes to try and spark his side into action.
But the Olyroos then conceded a second in sloppy fashion as goal-keeper Aaron Lennox failed to control a back-pass allowing the ball to roll in and gift the home side a goal.
Andrew Hoole then halved the deficit late on with a fantastic strike but it was too little, too late for the Aussie youngsters.
While no doubt disappointed with the back-to-back defeats, Vidmar’s focus will be on delivering when it counts at January’s AFC U-23 Championships in Qatar.
The Olyroos have been grouped with the United Arab Emirates, Vietnam and Jordan at the 16-team tournament, which will see the top three sides qualify for the 2016 Olympic Games in Brazil.