Berger puzzled about Qantas Australian U23s not scoring in five games

After the Qantas Australian U-23s failed to qualify for the 2012 London Olympics, Football Federation Australia (FFA) National Technical Director Han Berger is struggling to understand how the team was unable to score in five games.

After the Qantas Australian U-23s failed to qualify for the 2012 London Olympics, Football Federation Australia (FFA) National Technical Director Han Berger is struggling to understand how the team was unable to score in five games.

“We played some good football again, but we haven-t scored a goal and that is what counts,” said Berger.

Last night, the United Arab Emirates beat the Aussies 1-0 and the previous four AFC Asian qualifiers for the Olympics saw Aurelio Vidmar-s charges lose to Uzbekistan 2-0, 0-0 draw also against the Uzbeks, another one goal loss to UAE at home and a 0-0 draw with Iraq.

“The disappointment of the result is enormous for the players and coaches as they gave everything to this campaign and it-s a bitter blow that the Olympic dream is over,” said the former head coach of the Dutch Olympic team.

It-s the first time in 28 years that Australia has not qualified for the summer games.

“Clearly we missed the potential of Tommy Oar, Brent McGrath and Matthew Leckie and that has affected the performances, but sometimes football puts up these circumstances and you have to react.

“We must be gracious in defeat and admit that the UAE are a very good team,” said Berger, who-s role is to bring world best practice to the technical development of talented players and national youth teams.

A lone strike from UAE-s Omar Abdulrahman midway through the first half was the major difference between the two sides at the Mohammed bin Zayed Stadium.

The Australian team created some decent chances, especially in the first half. Mate Dugandzic clipped the crossbar while Aaron Mooy and captain Oliver Bozanic each had a shot saved.

Australia had a decent share of possession in the second half, with Mooy blazing high and wide with around 10 minutes to go as the team-s goal drought continued.

Uzbekistan were defeated 2-1 by Iraq in the other penultimate matchday fixture. The Uzbeks host now UAE in the final round with the winner set for automatic qualification to the 2012 London Games.

The Qantas Australian U23s will conclude their campaign against Iraq at Central Coast Stadium in Gosford on Wednesday 14 March.