The Maurice Revello Tournament is regarded as one of the finest tournaments for under 23 footballers in the world.
Global superstars like Alan Shearer, Rui Costa, Thierry Henry, Juan Roman Riqueleme and James Rodriguez have all cut their teeth throughout the years at the tournament – it has generally been a good guide for scouts and recruiters in terms of who will make it professionally.
Having an Australia team in the 2023 tournament is a coup that Football Australia must be applauded on, especially as Australia as a football nation has neglected tournament football for all its age groups for far too long.
The 2023 version of the tournament has an interesting concept when it comes to draws in the group stage – in the event of a draw, the two teams face each other in a penalty shoot-out, with a bonus point for the winners.
This scenario came into play in the Olyroos first game against Qatar, 0-0 at full time and then losing in the penalty shootout 4-3 with Qatar gaining the additional point.
Once again though, this tournament has already demonstrated how ineffective the Olyroos are as an attacking unit – a trait that has haunted many underage Australian sides.
Australia dominated possession for the 90 mins and were extremely unlucky to not score with the best chance of the match – Noah Botic somehow forcing the Qatari keeper into save when it looked odds on that he would score from a pin point Cameron Pepupion cross.
Against the run of play several minutes later Qatars Khalid Ali Sabah had a shot cannon off the woodwork – he was the team’s best player in the first half and drew multiple fouls from the Olyroos throughout it.
The olyroos pushed and probed for a goal in the second half, but found a very resolute Qatar defence – that was playing for penalties.
In a chaotic end to the match Mohammed Emad Omar Aiash was shown a straight red for professionally fouling Noah Botic in injury time – who was bearing down on goal.
With the ref blowing his whistle to signal full time, both sides went on to the dreaded penalty shoot out.
Qatar went a perfect 4 out of 4 from the spot, while Australia hds Noah Botic, Ryan Teague & Louis D’Arrigo expertly dispatch theirs – before Josh Rawlings saw his attempt saved and then Calum Nieuwnhof blazed over the bar
Coach Tony Vidmar will come under some flak for his selection of players, formation & tactics.
Jacob Italiano has played at right back before in his younger years, but is far more effective as a right winger – the position he plays with his club in Germany.
Josh Rawlings is predominantly a right back, but has been playing with his Dutch club as a centreback this season – which Vidmar seems to have mimicked.
The three-man midfield was industrious, but lacked the creativity to break down a stubborn defence – the Olyroos only attacking midfielder that was selected for the tournament, Keegan Jelacic did not play a single minute
The lack of creativity is a much wider problem that effects the majority of attacking players coming through Australia’s many junior clubs.
That type of imagination and flair to be able to beat a player or a risky defence splitting pass is continually being coached out of Australia’s best junior players – by coaches who seem to only want to maintain their sides shape, zonal pressing and positional defensive actions.
The olyroos will have much sterner tests than Qatar in a Mediterranean Select XI and Mexico in the final 2 group games.
Vidmar must find a way for this young team to break down opposition’s defences, if not – they face the likelihood of finishing bottom of the group at the prestigious Maurice Revello tournament
Australia’s final twi group games will be live on ESPN, while all other group stage matches (including Australia’s) plus the semifinals and final will be streamed LIVE via the WatchESPN App.
FRIDAY, JUNE 9
• Australia vs. Mediterranean XI (10:00 p.m.)
MONDAY, JUNE 12
• Mexico vs. Australia (10:00 p.m.)
TenTribesOfTexas
Roar Rookie
agree. the olyroos won every game when Italiano was down back. Rawlins lacks pace and, with a taller gk reducing the need for two giant cb, Rawlins is a genuine.option at cb.
Garry
Roar Rookie
U18 last game 8pm v Norway tonight Cant find which semi Australia is in… ‘Australia will now await their semi-final opponents in which the clash is scheduled in Salon for the Friday, 16 June (local time). ‘ Maurice Revello Tournament 2023 – Semi-Finals – Schedule 2.30pm (local) Friday, 15 June: Semi-Final #1 at Salon 6.00pm (local) Friday, 15 June: Semi-Final #2 at Salon ‘ Based on previous add 8 hours so 10.30pm or 2am Saturday
Garry
Roar Rookie
what do you think of them now?
Garry
Roar Rookie
you not following this thread?
Garry
Roar Rookie
Great win last night, Teague imprerssive and shouldve got MOM but of course one of the goalscorers, Francois, got it. Garang created his goal and after coming on showed again why he was highly rated. He added that spark .
Grem
Roar Rookie
We’re through to the finals. Hopefully we’re coming good at the right time. Nice win against Mexico.
Garry
Roar Rookie
Big game for the U23's tonight 10pm..if they dont beat Mexico probably wont make the next round
Garry
Roar Rookie
After a slow start the U18’s playing better..now 2-2..Badolato and Middleby looking good going forward tho Middleby rubbish defender..and Younis better than I thought after the first game.
Garry
Roar Rookie
btw I thought Italiano looked great as an attacking defender last night
Garry
Roar Rookie
Much better without D'arrigo
Garry
Roar Rookie
Garang seemed to be the main creator last night, his brother was poor
Garry
Roar Rookie
Yeh didnt look that great last night either
Garry
Roar Rookie
Watching the u18's and U23's we seem to lack quality defenders although Italiano looks good.
Garry
Roar Rookie
oops forgot he wasnt allowed to play
Garry
Roar Rookie
Watched and again they dominated got 2 up then gave away 2 goals including a screamer before halftime. Garang was basically the difference and his brother looked out of place. Tilio got a late run. The u18 game (not really Joeys) lost 4-2 to Portugal ps theres a video on the game from FA’s youtube site so I guess thats how you watch them. And the Joeys start Asian Cup on 16th “All matches involving Australia will be streamed LIVE and FREE on 10 Play.”
Grem
Roar Rookie
Didn’t see it, but a great win last night. Hopefully your article has them on a winning run. You nearly did it last time for our young Socceroos who were playing in the Asian Cup. They went in a winning run and unfortunately just lost to Uzbekistan in a penalty shoot out.
ShirleyKnot
Roar Rookie
Could you please use capital letters (upper case) as necessary - I found your posts interesting but difficult to follow. Grammar pedant?...perhaps.
Garry
Roar Rookie
disagree a bit here..but theres also Bos
ockeroo
Roar Rookie
This lot v Qatar is far below standard. I'd expect many of them to be replaced by Farrell, Trewin, Triantis, Hosin Bility, Tilio, Garang and Alou Koul, for the next match. No big deal about some of our overseas-based players. They were just so-so. NPL standard at best.
Garry
Roar Rookie
whilst you are too harsh as usual D'arrigo is one very overrated player