The Olyroos stuttered to a 1-1 draw in their opening group match of the AFC U23 Championships against Iraq as Reno Piscopo's stunning free-kick was cancelled out by Mohammed Nassif.
Connor Metcalfe - 5
Metcalfe had an average performance. His passing was below par, overhitting and mistiming a lot of his distributions. Space started to open up behind the Olyroos midfield when the turnovers started to pile up.
Aidan O'Neill - 5
O'Neill seemed confident in his role in the team against Iraq. Similar to Baccus, his first quarter of the match was commendable but he faded throughout the match.
Reno Piscopo - 6
His freekick saved Australia a point in the end, but it papered over a few cracks from the Wellington winger. Piscopo blew a guilt edged chance in the first half and can be blamed for failing to pull the trigger on a number of occasions.
Trent Buhagiar - 5
Buhagiar barely had an impact on the match with Australia failing to make use of his blistering pace. On one occasion he got on the end of a long pass and muscled his way to the byeline, winning a corner. A sign of his potential, but a long way to go to being influential.
Al-Hassan Toure - 6
He'd feel stiff having his goal disallowed for a foul in the build-up because it was a fantastic move by Australia. He grew into the hold up role but could never threaten like he did in the first half.
SUBSTITUTES
Jacob Italiano - 6
Italiano will be a strong favourite to start against Thailand. His introduction in the second half saw a bolt of lightning hit the Olyroos. His turn of pace was a breath of fresh air.
Zach Duncan - 6
Duncan couldn't manage to maintain a grip on the Iraqi midfield when he came on, but may be useful for a start against Thailand.
Daniel Bouman - N/A
The Cambuur forward didn't get too many chances.
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