Australia’s Olympic run has come to an end with Egypt 2-0 winners at Miyagi Stadium tonight
The Olyroos would put in another brave performance but fell short in what was a must win game if they were to qualify for the knockout stages.
Egypt jumped out of the blocks the better side, midfielder Salah Mohsen caused problems for the Olyroos defence, missing two big chances within the opening five minutes.
On the backfoot in the early stages of the first half, concerns heightened for the Olyroos after Nicholas D’Agostino received a hard knock in an aerial duel in the 12th minute.
After spending a couple minutes on the touchline, he would return to action much to the relief of coach Graham Arnold and teammates alike.
The Olyroos would have to wait until the 27th minute to register their first shot on goal.
Lachlan Wales cross teed up D’Agostino. His header from the centre of the box would fly over bar, spurning a rare attacking opportunity.
Egypt would then go on to take the lead before halftime through Ahmed Rayan.
Ramadan Sobhi made a brilliant attacking run on the left wing before he’d set up Rayan who score from the centre of the box.
The Olyroos made several changes at the start of the half, Daniel Arzani and Keanu Baccus came on to add some attacking spark off the bench.
Both impacted after they came on, Arzani threatened as he created attacking chances, while Baccus would try his luck from long range but be denied by keeper El-Shenwayy.
Arzani in the 79th minute would be the next one to try his luck from range, but El-Shenwayy would deny the Olyroos once again.
He would deny the Olyroos again, Thomas Deng’s header from a corner saved a minute later.
Egypt would then score the sealer against the run of play, Ammar Hamdi from close range doubled the Egyptians advantage in the 85th minute.
The Egyptians would hold for a 2-0 lead, and while they too won’t progress past the group stage, they’d finish on a high.
BETTER DISCIPLINE IN GAME THREE
With yellow cards a feature in the first two games the Olyroos put in a cleaner performance against the Egyptians, with only Baccus booked.
They’d conceded 12 fouls for the game, but were not as reckless defensively despite being continually threatened by Egypt.
SIGNS THE A-LEAGUE IS PRODUCES TALENT
Nine players in the Olyroos starting line-up tonight are currently plying their trade in the A-League, in addition to 16 players of the Australian squad having playing or played in the league.
While the A-League has been criticised for its quality, what cannot be denied is that young talent develops in the league.
SUSPENSION PROVE COSTLY
Nathaniel Atkinson, Mitchell Duke and Riley McGree were sorely missed into tonight’s game against Egypt.
Atkinson has been a standout performer in Tokyo, and his absence at right back meant Ramadan Sobhy was able to have an influential performance.
Additionally Australia struggled to create attacking plays in the absence of Duke and McGree.
Tokyo: Egypt 2 (Ahmed Rayan 44′ Ammar Hamady 85′) Australia 0
Referee: Artur Soares Dias
Australia 5-3-2
1.Thomas Glover (gk), 3. Kyle ROWLES, 13. Dylan PIERIAS, (11. Daniel ARZANI) ,5. Harry SOUTTAR, 14. Thomas DENG, 16. Joel KING, 17. Connor METCALFE, (21. Cameron DEVLIN 90′) 10. Denis GENREAU, (6. Keanu BACCUS 45′) 20. Lachlan WALES, (4. Jay RICH-BAGHUELOU 63′) 9. Nicholas D’AGOSTINO, (15. Caleb WATTS 90′) 19. Marco TILIO
Unused subs: 18. Ashely MAYNARD-BREWER 7. Reno PISCOPO
Manager: Graham Arnold
Yellow cards: Keanu Baccus
Red cards:
Egypt 5-4-1
1.Mohamed EL-SHENWAYY (gk), 13. Karim EL-ERAKY, 18. Mahmoud EL-WENSH, 6. Ahmed HEGAZI, 4. Osama GALAL, 20. Ahmed ABOUL-FETOUH, 9. Taher MOHAMED, (11. Ibrahim ADEL 79′) 12. Akram TAWFIK, (15. Emam ASHOUR 90′) 10. Ramadan SOBHY, (8. Nasser MAHER 90′) 7. Salah MOHSEN, (2. Amar HAMADY 61′), 14. Ahmed RAYAN (21. Nasser MANSY 79′)
Unused subs: 22. Mohamed SOBHY, 17. Ahmed RAMADAN
Manager: Shawky Gharieb
Yellow cards: Akram Tawfik, Amar Hamady
Red cards:
