D’Agostino brace takes Olyroos a step closer to Tokyo Olympics

Tournament ends in farce as Olyroos and South Korea protect their qualification positions.

Nick D'Agostino in action against Cambodia earlier in the qualification tournament. Picture: AFP

Australia has qualified for the second stage of the Olympic Games qualifier after a 2-2 draw with South Korea in Cambodia last night.

Leading 2-0 after 24 minutes, following a brace from Brisbane Roar attacker Nick D’Agostino, the Olyroos could not hold on to their advantage as the Koreans scored twice to ensure they topped the group and qualify automatically for the final qualifying stage in Thailand in January.

The draw was enough for the Australians to advance as one of the best second-placed teams.

The game descended into farce for the final 15 minutes with neither side prepared to attack as they protected their position.

At one stage, the Olyroos held the ball for 10 minutes as they passed to each other in their own half. When the Koreans got possession they followed the Olyroos’ example.

Australia produced a quality first-half performance to lead 2-1 but it could have easily been a greater margin had it not been for the Korean goalkeeper who was forced to make some outstanding saves.

The Olyroos started the game superbly, taking the lead on 16 minutes via D’Agostino, who was on the spot to turn home a Lachlan Wales cross that deflected off a defender.

D’Agostino, who was in the thick of the action for much of the half, grabbed his second on 24 minutes after some great work from Alex Gersbach, who made a terrific run into the box before laying off for the striker to slam home a thunderous left footer.

The Koreans got back into the game two minutes later when Cho Young Wook steered the ball into the net off a shot that was deflected off Harry Souttar.

The Korean goalkeeper kept the Olyroos in check when he made a world-class save to deny Reno Piscopo (27th minute) before Riley McGree missed a golden chance just before halftime when he sent wide a free header from five metres.

It was a totally different second half with the Koreans dominating and it was inevitable that they levelled up at 2-2 with 30 minutes to go.