D'Agostino: One of my greatest career achievements so far

Australia U-23 forward Nicholas D'Agostino says his brace against Thailand on Saturday ranks as one of his greatest career achievements so far, as Graham Arnold's men secured their first win of the AFC U-23 Championship. 

Trailing 1-0 late at the end of the first half, D'Agostino put Australia level against the hosts with a well-taken finish, which saw the momentum swing for the second 45 minutes. 

Following a tough opening half, the Australians turned it around in the second period, taking control of the game. 

And their dominance paid off in the 76th minute, with D'Agostino scoring a second goal, proving to be the match-winner in the come-from-behind victory. 

The Perth Glory forward was elated after the game, listing his brace as one of the highlights of his developing career. 

“It is definitely up there,” D'Agostino said. “It is probably one of my greatest career achievements so far, it is my first Asian Cup, so I am absolutely delighted.”

“Obviously it was a tough game in front of the 22,000 fans that came out tonight. Thailand in their home country, it was always going to be a big game but especially going one-nil down early, that was tough, but we knew that we had the fight and courage to come back and we showed a lot of that tonight and got the result and that is massive for us.”

“My job is to score goals and that is what I am here to do and that is what Graham (Arnold) has belief in me to do and it is a great feeling scoring for your country, there is no better feeling in the world.”

“We have great players here from all over the world and we knew that if we had a lot more freedom and courage and confidence on the ball that we could break down anyone.”

“I think the boys showed a lot of fight and courage and I think the goal at the end of the first half really helped a lot leading into that second half,” he said. 

Australia's third and final group game is against Bahrain on Tuesday (Wednesday 12:15 AEDT). You can watch the game live on Fox Sports, Kayo, or the My Football YouTube.

Australia U-23 v Bahrain U-23 – AFC U-23 Championship Thailand 2020
Date: Tuesday, 14 January 2020
Venue: Thammasat Stadium, Pathum Thani, Thailand
Kick-off: 8.15pm (local); 12.15am +1 (AEDT)
Stream/Broadcast (Australia only): Fox Sports, Kayo Sports, My Football YouTube Channel