Australia have been knocked out of the under-22 Asian soccer championship after losing 2-1 in a tense quarter-final battle with Saudi Arabia.
Quick-fire goals from Abdulfattah Asiri and Abdullah Al Ammar in the second half secured the victory at Muscat’s Royal Oman Police Stadium on Monday night.
But the match was overshadowed by a late on-field scuffle between Asiri and Australian defender Andrew Hoole, who was sent off for a heavy challenge with 17 minutes to go.
Despite being reduced to 10 men, the Olyroos managed to close the gap with a successful spot kick to Peter Skapetis four minutes later.
However the goal was little consolation for coach Aurelio Vidmar, who admitted his side’s poor showing in the opening half cost them the game.
“Full credit to Saudi Arabia as they played well and got two goals in quick succession and that hurt us,” he said.
“But to be honest, we were very sloppy in the first half as I thought we could have done better with a lot of opportunities in the front third.
“This is a learning experience and we will learn a lot for the next time we come to this tournament, so it has been good for us.
“I am disappointed with the result, but I now know what certain players can do and what certain players can’t do.
“Our attitude has always been to bring young players and for us we have done what we wanted to.”
Vidmar said Australia had done well to reach the quarter-finals, having topped their group with victories over Iran and Kuwait.
“Although I would have hoped for a better performance tonight,” he added.
Saudi Arabia will next face Jordan in the semi-finals on Thursday, with Iraq to play Korea Republic in the other match.
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