Olympics 2021: All the Olyroos action from Tokyo; match report

Only weeks after being elevated to the Olyroos squad, Marco Tilio is the name on every Australian football fans’ lips. This is how he became an overnight sensation.

SAPPORO, JAPAN – JULY 22: Marco Tilio #19 of Team Australia celebrates after scoring their side's second goal during the Men's First Round Group C match between Argentina and Australia during the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games at Sapporo Dome on July 22, 2021 in Sapporo, Hokkaido, Japan. (Photo by Masashi Hara/Getty Images)

The only thing more remarkable than Australian teenager Marco Tilio scoring with almost his first touch as an Olympian is the fact he wasn’t meant to be playing at all.

Originally called up as a travelling reserve to provide injury cover, Tilio was the latest of entries to the Olyroos’ squad, earning his stripes after the IOC made amendments to allow the football squads to add four extra players to provide additional flexibility during a complex Olympic Games tied down by Covid-19.

But Tilio likes to do things in a hurry. So he wasted no time in making an impact when called on by coach Graham Arnold – scoring a scorching goal with his second touch, mere seconds after coming off the bench, to seal a famous 2-0 victory over world heavyweights Argentina.

It’s led to some instant internet notoriety, with Tilio’s Wikipedia page getting some curious updates in the wake of his stunning performance – which described his left-foot strike as “better than (Argentinian great) Lionel Messi has ever scored”.

It’s been a wild few weeks for the 19-year-old, who was sitting on the tarmac at Sydney Airport – having returned home after winning the A-League grand final with Melbourne City – when he received a call from his club that rattled him.

Marco Tilio wheels off in celebration after scoring the Olyroos’ second goal.

“You’re a chance to go to the Olympics,” he was told.

Two days later, that message came from an even more reliable source: Arnold himself.

“I missed (his call), but called him back and he said ‘you’re going to be an Olympian’. I was in so much shock,” Tilio said in Sapporo on Friday.

“So many emotions were going through (my head) last night.) It’s such a proud moment for me and my family back home. Who could’ve thought? Really it’s just a dream come true.

“But there’s always so much more we can do, keep fulfilling dreams and showing what Australia are made of at an Olympic Games.”

Everything coming up roses for Marco Tilio. A-League championship and now has a goal in the Olympics#ARGvAUS

— Clement Tito (@ClementGTito) July 22, 2021

Marco Tilio's Wikipedia page has seen some changes. pic.twitter.com/ydx7UUWTPh

— Luke Henriques-Gomes (@lukehgomes) July 22, 2021

Arnold has boldly declared his team – who started the tournament as $151 outsiders – can claim gold, and Tilio confirmed that’s a belief that the squad carries as well.

“Of course. We always say the strong belief and family culture we have in this team, the sky is the limit for us I believe, and all the boys believe,” he said.

“Everyone comes here with the same goal: to get the gold medal.”

OLYROOS STUN THE WORLD IN OLYMPIC OPENER

How’s that for shocking the world?

The Olyroos pulled off one of the all-time Olympic stunners with an incredible, and controversial, 2-0 upset of footballing superpower Argentina to open their first Olympics campaign in 13 years.

And coach Graham Arnold says they’re far from done yet — they want a gold medal.

Thursday’s victory in Sapporo, through goals to A-League products Lachie Wales (Western United) and Marco Tilio (Melbourne City), makes Australia the most unlikely of early leaders atop of Group G — dubbed the Group of Death by all but Arnold, who preferred to call it the Group of Dreams.

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Some may say he’s still dreaming, but Arnold and his team — who started the match as $7 outsiders with the bookies — have made fools of everyone so far.

“I said to the boys. It’s only one game … obviously enjoy the moment, but I expect (in the) next game a bigger and better performance than that,” Arnold said, with Sunday’s clash against Spain already firmly on his mind.

“I’m very proud but we’ve done nothing yet. I’ve been building the belief in the boys that we can do this — we are here to compete for a gold medal. We’re not just here to make up the numbers.”

Argentina’s Francisco Ortega is shown a red card in controversial circumstances. Picture: Getty Images

Following an earlier 0-0 draw between Spain and Egypt, the Olyroos’ victory — one of the biggest in their history — leaves destiny well and truly in their hands with two matches to play.

The match was not without controversy, with Argentina furious about a hugely contentious red-card on the stroke of halftime when defender Francisco Ortega was sent off for an astonishing second yellow card.

In what appeared a brain explosion by referee Srdan Jovanovic, Ortega and Australia’s Riley McGree were pinged for an innocuous scuffle.

The contact was minimal, and largely caused by Argentina goalkeeper Jeremias Ledesma, but Ortega saw red following an earlier card-worthy challenge.

Australia's Lachie Wales celebrates after scoring the opening goal. Picture: AFP

At best, it was a soft yellow card. At worst? A horrendous misjudgment from the official.

“I believe the removal of our player definitely marked a clear before and after of the game,” said Argentina coach Fernando Batista.

“We were aware we were playing a fierce rival looking for a good fight and unfortunately we weren’t able to fight back and tie up the game.”

Riley McGree’s insane bicycle kick took some saving. Picture: Getty Images

Few predicted Australia would trouble one of football’s giants, but after 14 minutes — when Joel King latched onto a terrific long-ball, and squared it up for Wales to tap in for the lead — it seemed like all one-way traffic.

Graham Arnold joins in the celebrations after their opening Group G success. Picture: Getty Images

Australia would put the game to bed when Tilio scored within 30 seconds of coming from the bench, with a sweet left-footed strike to spectacularly finish a fine cross from veteran Mitchell Duke, sparking wild scenes from the unheralded squad.

In truth, it could’ve been even more lopsided. On another day, if not for a string of fine saves from Ledesma, Arnold’s men could’ve had a five-goal advantage and it would’ve been well deserved.

At the back, captain Thomas Deng and Harry Souttar provided a calming influence — especially in the second half as the 10-man Argentina surged back into the contest, only to be rebuffed by Australia’s twin-defensive rocks.

Argentina were perhaps fortunate not to be reduced to nine-man when Facundo Medina attempted a horror two-footed tackle on Lachie Wales.