Olyroos focused on push for Paris
Olyroos captain Callum Talbot says rather than dwell on what might have been against Jordan, the Australians had to focus on delivering in two “massive” matches to ensure their Paris Olympics qualification dreams remained alive.
Having struggled in attack in their 0-0 draw with Jordan at the AFC under-23 Asian Cup, the Olyroos can ill afford to falter in their remaining Group A games – Thursday night’s battle with Indonesia and Monday morning’s clash with tournament host, Qatar.
The Olyroos must finish first or second in their group to reach the quarter-finals.
From there, they need to secure a top-three tournament finish to guarantee themselves a spot at this year’s Paris Olympics.
Finishing fourth will force the Olyroos to qualify for Paris via a playoff against the fourth-placed African confederation nation, Guinea.
“There’s no point in worrying about what happened (against Jordan),” right-back Talbot said. “It’s obviously disappointing. We should have got the three points out of that game … (but) now we can worry about what’s going to happen in the next couple of games, and these next two games are massive for us.
“We’ll regroup and put our best foot forward.”
Qatar tops Group A with three points after beating Indonesia 2-0 on Tuesday morning.
Olyroos goalkeeper Patrick Beach, who like Talbot is part of Melbourne City’s A-League squad, said the Australians would not fall into the trap of underestimating Indonesia.
“We treat every opponent with respect, and we know there are going to be no easy games,” the 20-year-old gloveman said.
“We know it’s going to be a tough game but we’re ready for that challenge.”
Australian Olympic team chef de mission for Paris and cycling legend Anna Meares says the inclusion of the Olympic oath “at heart level” on blazers to be worn by team members marks a special moment for every athlete.
The uniforms Australian athletes will wear at the opening ceremony, which will be watched by a global television audience of more than one billion, were unveiled on Wednesday, with the special inclusion on the blazers the standout.
For the first time, the Australian Olympians’ oath will be on the inside jacket pocket, the names of all 301 Australian Olympic champions throughout the jacket lining.
The outfits will also feature Indigenous artwork “Walking Together” from Olympic boxer Paul Fleming in the pocket square and scarf.
“Wearing an Australian Olympic opening ceremony uniform is a rare and special moment,” Meares said.
“I have had the honour of receiving four Australian Olympic team ceremony uniforms and I treasure each one.
“For Olympians, it brings us together, from different sports, backgrounds and experiences, proudly uniting us through that team uniform. It creates a connection and sense of belonging to the Australian Olympic team’s proud history.
“It begins our Olympic experience and post-Games continues to be worn by Olympians proudly to events, long past our days as elite athletes.
“It’s a uniform that is treasured and the quality, comfort and feel brings a pride and confidence to us all.
“I love that the Olympians’ oath will sit on the inside lining at heart level, with the support of all Australia’s Olympic champions throughout history wrapping around each of our team members for Paris.
“I know Aussie athletes are working hard to earn their own opportunity to don this uniform in Paris and with 100 days to go, this will add excitement and inspiration to the training and competition grind knowing this awaits their efforts.”
Wednesday marked 100 days until the opening ceremony of the Paris Olympics on the River Seine.
At the 2021 Tokyo Olympics, Australians won 46 medals to finish in sixth place on the table.
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