WATCH: Olyroos go down to Qatar on penalties in Tournoi Maurice Revello opener
The Subway Olyroos will take a point away from their clash with Qatar at the Tournoi Maurice Revello on Tuesday, after Australia's maiden fixture at the prestigious U23 tournament ended 0-0.
Watch the highlights on the player above.
In accordance with tournament rules, a bonus point was then decided via a penalty shootout, which saw Qatar prevail 4-3.
Tony Vidmar's side made a bright start to the game and would go on to create the lions share of goalscoring opportunities, but were ultimately unable to find a way through.
Brighton's Cam Peupion went close on a couple of occasions early, before striker Noah Botic so nearly granted Australia the lead as his powerful header was palmed away from close range.
Qatar began to work their way back the contest and hit the post after 33 minutes, but Nicholas Bilokapic would otherwise have a quiet remainder of the 90 minutes in the Australian net.
Midfielders Louis D'Arrigo and Ryan Teague both created half-chances early in the second half, while the introductions of Garang Kuol and Nishan Velupillay added further spark to Australia's attack, but the elusive goal did not arrive.
In the closing stags of the game, Qatar were reduced to ten men after captain Mohamed Ayash fouled Botic as he was bearing down on goal.
Garang Kuol stepped up on the subsequent set-piece, but his low free kick from the edge of the area was palmed to safety by Yousef Baliadeh, ensuring the match finished scoreless.
It was the Qatari keeper who would then pop up in the shootout to deny Josh Rawlins' penalty, before Calem Nieuwenhof failed to hit the target, handing the bonus point to Qatar.
Australia's next two group games will see them face the Mediterranean Select and Mexico's U23's.
Qatar 0 (4)
Australia 0 (3)
Date: Tuesday, 6 June 2023
Venue: Stade de Lattre-de-Tassigny, Aubagne
Australia Lineup: 1. Nicholas Bilokapic (GK), 3. Joshua Rawlins, 4. Jordan Courtney-Perkins, 5. Lucas Mauragis, 6. Lucas Mauragis, 6. Calem Nieuwenhof, 7. Cameron Peupion (11. Garang Kuol 69'), 8. Louis D'Arrigo, 16. Ryan Teague, 17. Jacob Italiano (C) (21. Kai Trewin 77'), 19. Noah Botic, 22. Marlee Francois (23. Nishan Velupillay 68')
Substitutes not used: 9. Alou Kuol, 12. Cameron Cook (GK), 14. Keegan Jelacic, 15. Hosine Bility, 18. Ethan Cox (GK), 20. Jake Hollman
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.