A-League Pair Propel Olyroos to Unbeaten Finish in U23 International Tournament

In-form Western United striker Matthew Grimaldi and Aidan Simmons from Western Sydney Wanderers both found the back of the net as the Subway Olyroos battled to a 2-2 draw against hosts Qatar in the final match of the Doha International U-23 Cup.

The spotlight was firmly on Isuzu UTE A-League talent on Wednesday (AEDT) as Grimaldi kicked off the scoring for the Australian Under-23 side within the first seven minutes, only for Qatar to level things with 14 minutes left in regulation.

Grimaldi’s performance highlighted his impressive run, having recently netted twice for Western United against Wellington Phoenix on March 8, marking his first-ever brace in professional football.

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The starting XI against Qatar featured players from the A-League, including Dylan Peraic-Cullen (Central Coast Mariners), Josh Rawlins (Melbourne Victory), Kane Vidmar (Western United), Jordi Valadon (Melbourne Victory), Nathanael Blair (Perth Glory), Yaya Dukuly (Adelaide United), Ethan Alagich (Adelaide United), Nathan Paull (Central Coast Mariners), Simmons, Grimaldi, and Aydan Hammond (Western Sydney Wanderers).

This result confirmed that Tony Vidmar’s squad completed the U23 tournament unbeaten, following a goalless draw with the United Arab Emirates and a 2-1 victory over Croatia.

Dukuly was named man of the match against Qatar and also earned the title of Player of the Tournament.