A thrilling stoppage-time goal from Macarthur Bulls’ Kealey Adamson propelled the Subway Olyroos to a remarkable 2-1 triumph over Croatia in their opening match of the Doha International Under-23 Cup.
Out of the 23 players selected for the U23 tournament in Qatar, an impressive 22 hail from the Isuzu UTE A-League, with 10 of them featuring in the starting lineup against the illustrious Croatian team. Notably, two players found the back of the net on Thursday (AEDT).
Adamson’s decisive strike in the 91st minute ensured that Tony Vidmar’s Australia U23 side kicked off the tournament on a high note, following an opener from Adelaide United’s Yaya Dukuly, which was equalised in the second half.
The Olyroos’ starting lineup showcased a wealth of A-League talent, with former Macarthur player Jed Drew—the lone overseas-based player—currently plying his trade in Austria.
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Representing the Olyroos were Anthony Pavlesic (Central Coast Mariners), Adamson, Josh Rawlins (Melbourne Victory), Kane Vidmar (Western United), Jordi Valadon (Melbourne Victory), Nathanael Blair (Perth Glory), Dukuly, Ethan Alagich (Adelaide United), Nathan Paull (Central Coast Mariners), and Oscar Priestman (Western Sydney Wanderers).
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Joining them from the bench were Sydney FC sensation Adrian Segecic, Western United’s Matthew Grimaldi and Rhys Bozinovski, as well as Melbourne Victory’s Jing Reec and Western Sydney Wanderers’ Aydan Hammond.
They faced a Croatian team renowned for producing football legends such as Luka Modric, Ivan Rakitic, Davor Suker, Mateo Kovacic, and Mario Mandzukic, who have also reached the FIFA Men’s World Cup final in 2018.
Australia’s opponents boasted players from some of the world’s finest clubs and leagues, including Bayern Munich prospect Lovro Zvonarek, FC Basel winger Marin Soticek, ex-Bayern defender Antonio Tikvic currently at Watford, Hajduk Split’s Luka Vuskovic (on loan with Socceroo Jordy Bos at Westerlo in Belgium), and Vito Caic from Dinamo Zagreb.
The Olyroos are set for their next challenge against the UAE on Sunday (AEDT).
Compiled by SportArena.com.au.
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