Australia's men's Olympic football team, the Olyroos, have failed to qualify for the Paris 2024 Games after a goalless draw against hosts Qatar in their final group match of the Under-23 Asian Cup. The result leaves the Matildas as Australia's sole representative in Olympic football.
The Olyroos needed a win against Qatar and for Indonesia to lose to Jordan to advance. However, Indonesia secured a 4-1 victory over Jordan, while Australia could not break their scoring drought, finishing the tournament with two points and no goals from three matches.
Australia pressed hard throughout the match, creating several chances but failing to convert. Coach Tony Vidmar made three changes from the previous loss to Indonesia, bringing in Rhys Youlley, Lachlan Brook, and Nicolas Milanovic. Despite dominating possession, the team could not find the back of the net.
Key opportunities included a near-post save from Youlley's shot, Jacob Italiano shooting over from a good position, and Milanovic heading across goal. In the second half, the Kuol brothers, Alou and Garang, were introduced but could not change the outcome. Keegan Jelacic came closest with a volley that hit the post.
This marks the fourth time in the past three Olympic editions that the Olyroos have failed to qualify, missing out on London 2012 and Rio 2016 before qualifying for Tokyo 2020, where they exited in the group stage. Qatar and Indonesia advance to the quarterfinals, with the top three teams in the tournament earning spots in Paris.
