The Olyroos have achieved some success in previous Olympic tournaments. Significantly, the team reached the semi-finals in Barcelona 1992, at the first tournament to be played in an under-23 format. The 'Olyroos' beat Denmark 3-0 & drew with Mexico during the group stage, and then beat Sweden in their quarter-final. Subsequent losses to Poland and Ghana led the team to a fourth placing. Incredibly, a young Tony Vidmar, who scored two crucial goals for Australia at that tournament, would still be an active international for Australia fourteen years later during qualifying for the 2006 FIFA World Cup. The Olyroos also reached the quarter finals in the 1988 and 2004 Olympic tournaments, in Seoul & Athens respectively.
The Olyroos' first qualifying game for the 2008 Beijing Olympics was held on February 7, 2007, when Australia hosted Taiwan in Adelaide. Midfielder Kristian Sarkies became the first player to score a hat-trick for the Under-23's in the Asian competition and Australia won the home tie 11–0. They then travelled to Taipei and narrowly edged out the home side 1–0 in difficult conditions to advance to the second stage of the qualifications.
Australian and Iraqi support during the Beijing Olympics qualifying campaign
In February, 2007 the Olyroos played Iran in the first game of the second round, which resulted in a 0–0 draw. In the second game of the round, against Jordan in Adelaide, they drew 1–1. This result left Australia in second spot, four points behind leaders Saudi Arabia. Against Saudi Arabia, Australia won the first leg 2–0 and lost 2–1 in the second. In May 2007 they defeated Iran 3–1. Australia qualified for the third and final round of the Asian qualifications after beating Jordan 4–0 in their final game in June 2007.
The Olyroos met Iraq, Korea DPR and Lebanon at the final round (August till November 2007). Australia started their campaign with a scoreless draw against Iraq in Doha. Then the Olyroos went on to win their home games against North Korea (1–0) and Lebanon (3–0). After another scoreless draw against Lebanon in Beirut, Australia was behind Iraq with both eight points but Iraq leading because of the better goal difference. The decisive match was held in Gosford on November 17, 2007 and saw the Olyroos emerging as 2–0 winners thanks to goal from Adrian Leijer and Mark Milligan. The following 1–1 draw against North Korea in Pyongyang sealed Australia's qualification for Beijing, as they finished as group winners with 12 points, one more than Iraq.
Graham Arnold
