12 Jan Olyroos take big step towards Tokyo 2020 qualification

The Olyroos have taken a big step towards qualifying for the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, beating Thailand 2-1 at the AFC U-23 Championship overnight.

Doubling as a qualifying tournament for the games later this year, Australia faced a must-win match to keep their hopes alive after an opening-game draw against Iraq.

Australia got off to a shaky start which eventually saw them fall behind through Anon Amornlerdsak’s goal in the 24th minute before Perth Glory striker Nick D’Agostino levelled things up with two minutes to play in the first half.

On a hot and humid night at the Rajamangala Stadium in Bangkok, the hosts visibly wilted in the second half, with the Olyroos eventually getting their winner as D'Agostino fired past Thailand keeper Korraphat Nareechan in the 76th minute to silence the home crowd.

“It is probably one of my greatest career achievements so far, it is my first Asian Cup, so I am absolutely delighted,” D’Agostino said after the match.

Australia – who now are sit at the top of group A – will face Bahrain on Tuesday as they look to progress to the quarter-finals.

The top three teams at the AFC U-23 Championship will join Japan at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics.

The Olyroos haven’t appeared at an Olympics since the Beijing games in 2008.

You can watch all the highlights from Australia’s win over Thailand in the player below.

🎥 WATCH | D'Agostino denies the hosts with a brace!#AFCU23 pic.twitter.com/9UFxy9dywT

— #AFCU23 (@theafcdotcom) January 11, 2020