The Olyroos have gotten their Tokyo 2020 campaign off to the perfect start, upsetting Argentina in their opening Group Stage match on Thursday night.
Former City winger Lachie Wales got Australia off to a dream start, tapping home Joel King’s cross from close range in the 14th minute before Argentina was reduced to ten men on the stroke of half-time.
City fans were jumping for joy in their lounge rooms late in the second half when Marco Tilio netted a stunning curler from outside of the box to secure a huge win for Australia.
https://twitter.com/7olympics/status/1418182195139784706?s=20
Of the starting XI, seven have been through the doors of City Football Academy – including four direct Academy graduates – while all four current City players saw action and performed strongly against the Argentines.
Tom Glover
The City and Olyroos number one had a cruisy start to the encounter, facing just one shot on target in the first half, a low-powered strike not causing too many issues for Glover. He was called into action a little more in the second half and pulled off a couple of strong saves, and no doubt will be happy to take a clean sheet from the opening match of the tournament.
Nathaniel Atkinson
Playing a competitive match for the first time since taking out the Joe Marston Medal in the A-League 2021 Grand Final, Atkinson picked up exactly where he left off. He caused issues down the right throughout the contest as Argentina struggled to find any answers to his overlapping runs.
As a result, Argentinian defender Francisco Ortega went into the book with moments remaining in the first half after fouling Atkinson on the edge of the box, before then receiving his marching orders minutes later with a second yellow.
Connor Metcalfe
Coming in off the back of a breakout 2020/21 A-League season, Metcalfe displayed the same quality City fans saw all season, but this time on the international stage.
Connor Metcalfe (1999) first half stats vs. Argentina:
✅ 34 touches
✅ 3 successful long balls
✅ 2/2 dribbles completed
✅ 4 duels won
✅ 3 interceptions
✅ 2 tackles
✅ 1 clearance
🇦🇺 Excellent. #Tokyo2020 #TokyoOlympics #ARGvAUS pic.twitter.com/mLO1RtPAqs— AussieScout (@scout_aussie) July 22, 2021
He had won numerous important duels and helped the Olyroos control possession, forming a strong midfield three with former City players Riley McGree and Denis Genreau.
Marco Tilio
A late addition to the Olympics squad and the youngest Olyroo in Tokyo, Tilio got onto the pitch in the 79th minute, replacing Daniel Arzani.
His impact was immediately felt, first being involved in the build-up and then finding the back of the net with a stunning strike from outside of the box, all but securing the win.
The Olyroos now sit on top of Group B and will next be in action on Saturday night when they take on Spain at 8.30pm (AEST). This and all Olympic fixtures will be available to watch live and free via Channel Seven/7mate and the 7Plus app.
