“They created many chances, but that has been our story”, Tony Vidmar reflects on the Olyroos AFC U23 Asian Cup Elimination

Subway Olyroos Head Coach Tony Vidmar discussed his side's performance after a stalemate against group leaders Qatar saw their AFC U23 Asian Cup Qatar 2024™ campaign and Paris Olympics bid end in Doha.

The Subway Olyroos took the game to hosts Qatar in a must-win match as they fought to progress to the knockout stages of the AFC U23 Asian Cup but were unable to find the breakthrough in an eventual goalless draw.

The result encapsulated the Subway Olyroos performances during the tournament, with Tony Vidmar's side unable to capitalise on their chances despite showcasing a strong attacking intent in the final third.

Tony Vidmar ruminated on the result, praising his side for the quality of football they produced and the absence of luck in their attacking end product.

“They played some unbelievable, fantastic football, just a bit of luck not coming on our side for the ball to go in the goal.”

“Yes, very proud of the team,” Vidmar said, “of how they played and how they performed.

“[They] created many chances, but that has been our story.”

Despite losing the tournament in the group stages, Tony Vidmar recognises the immense value and experience his squad gained throughout the campaign.

“A lot of our players have gained so much experience in a tournament," Vidmar said. “It’s the first time for many that they’re in an Asian Cup, so for the long-term benefit, it’s going to be really good for them.

“They’ll take a lot of good learnings from this, and exposure to this type of football has been fantastic for them.

“A lot of these players will continue on in the next two years for the next Asian Cup in Saudi.

"That’s why as a country we’re playing in Asia, because this type of football is new for a lot of players, and our benefit long-term is for national team players.”

”This exposure is going to be so beneficial to them.”

Olyroos captain Jacob Italiano weighed in on the result, discussing his team's misfortune in front of the goal while lauding the spirit shown by his teammates.

“As a group, we felt like we gave everything out there,” Italiano said. “We had Qatar pinned back for all of the match, and it just wasn’t going in for us.

“In the preparation leading up to this tournament, we had no problem scoring goals; we were playing great football, and the ball was going in.

“We gave everything, we kept fighting, even today, the ball just wouldn’t go in.

“We had chances, multiple chances in each game. Sometimes, that's football, and you’ve got to take it on the chin.”

AFC U-23 ASIAN CUP QATAR 2024™ FINALS – GROUP A

Australia 0
Jordan 0
Monday, 15 April 2024
Kick-off: 4pm (local) / 11pm AEST
Abdullah Bin Khalifa Stadium, Doha

Indonesia 1 (Komang Teguh 45')
Australia 0
Thursday, 18 April 2024
Kick-off: 4pm (local) / 11pm AEST
Abdullah Bin Khalifa Stadium, Doha

Qatar 0 
Australia 0
Sunday, 21 April 2024
Kick-off: 6:30pm (local) / 1:30am AEST (Monday, 22 April)
Jassim Bin Hamad Stadium, Doha