WATCH: Olyroos march into semi-finals after 2-0 win over Mexico
The Subway Olyroos have marched into the semi-finals of the Maurice Revello Tournament following an impressive 2-0 win over Mexico on Monday night (AEST).
Noah Botic opened the scoring after half-time before Marlee Francois put the game to bed on 87 minutes with a simple finish to secure a famous victory.
Tony Vidmar made wholesale changes to the starting XI that defeated the Mediterranean Select team 3-2, with just Nicholas Bilokapic and Ryan Teague retaining their spots.
After a cagey opening 10 minutes, it was Australia who produced the first chance when Marco Tilio's inviting set-piece was headed wide by Nectarios Triantis, who was left to lament his effort.
Mexico gradually got into the contest, playing with more rhythm in the latter stages of the first half pressuring Bilokapic's goal.
Benjamin Galdames' came the closest for El Tri unleashing a powerful low strike which was held by the Aussie custodian.
The evenly-matched clash finished 0-0 at the break with the stop-start nature disrupting the fluency at times with several fouls committed by both sides.
Five minutes into the restart, the Olyroos would take the lead through a combination of neat play and a slice of luck.
Jacob Farrell released Botic in behind and the striker showed good acceleration before seeing his finish beat Hector Holguin, who was unable to keep it out.
Australia had spells of dominance and showed good endeavour as they looked to add insurance to their lead.
At the other end, Mexico equally displayed desperation with Marcelo Flores and Alberto Herrera coming close with long-range strikes.
But it was Vidmar's side that would kill the match following some excellent tenacity by Ryan Teague.
The midfielder's high press and refusal to give up the loose ball, allowed substitute Garang Kuol to collect the ricochet, and he marauded down the wing with his square ball eventually finding Francois who rifled his finish home, doubling the advantage.
Following Tuesday's results, Australia will face Panama in a semi-final clash which will take place in Salon on Friday, 16 June (10:30 PM AEST).
Mexico 0
Australia 2 (Botic 50', Francois 87' )
Date: Monday, 12 June 2023
Venue: Stade de Lattre-deTassigny, Aubagne
Australia Lineup: 1. Nicholas Bilokapic (GK), 2. Callum Talbot (C), 24. Nectarios Triantis, 3. Joshua Rawlins, 13. Jacob Farrell (5. Lucas Mauragis 75'), 6. Calem Nieuwenhof (8. Louis D'Arrigo 46'), 16. Ryan Teague, 10. Marco Tilio (14. Keegan Jelacic 59'), 7. Cameron Peupion (11. Garang Kuol 75'), 19. Noah Botic (9. Alou Kuol 82'), 22. Marlee Francois
Substitutes not used: 4. Jordan Courtney-Perkins, 12. Cameron Cook (GK), 15. Hosine Bility, 17. Jacob Italiano, 18. Ethan Cox (GK), 20. Jake Hollman, 21. Kai Trewin, 23. Nishan Velupillay
How to watch
All group stage matches involving Australia will be LIVE on ESPN, Channel 509 on Foxtel, while all other group stage matches (including Australia's) plus the semi-finals and final will be streamed LIVE via the WatchESPN App.
Maurice Revello Tournament 2023 – Ranking Matches – Schedule
2.00pm (local), Thursday, 14 June: 11th vs 12th and 7th vs 8th at Arles & Miramas
6.00pm (local), Thursday, 14 June: 9th vs 10th and 5th vs 6th at Arles & Miramas
Maurice Revello Tournament 2023 – Semi-Finals – Schedule
2.30pm (local) Friday, 15 June: Semi-Final #1 at Salon
6.00pm (local) Friday, 15 June: Semi-Final #2 at Salon
Maurice Revello Tournament 2023 – Finals – Schedule
2.30pm (local) Sunday, 18 June: 3rd vs 4th at Salon
6.00pm (local) Sunday, 18 June: Final at Salon
A championship system will be in operation for this tournament, where each team is playing for three points for a win, one point for a draw, and zero points for a defeat. In the event of a tie at the end of a match, a penalty shoot-out will be held. The team that wins the penalty shoot-out will receive an additional point in the ranking.