A sign of things to come

Arnold told media ahead of Sunday morning’s fixture that the 11 young men that took the field at the Rajamangala Stadium were the best at his – and by extension the nation’s – disposal.

It means that should Australia head to the Olympics, goalkeeper Glover, defenders Thomas Deng, Mourdoukoutas, Dylan Ryan and Gersbach, midfielders Keanu Baccus, Zach Duncan, Najjarine and Piscopo and attackers Daniel Bouman and Nick D’Agostino will form the core of any Australian assault on gold.

That’s not to say, however, that there aren’t a number of key contributors waiting in the wings.

Though he was nominally available off the bench on Sunday morning, shoulder and ankle injuries have robbed Melbourne City’s Denis Genreau of the chance to serve as a larger contributor so far this tournament.

Providing a much-needed boost to the Olyroos in their critical group stage win over Thailand after coming on as a second-half substitute, the impact the 20-year-old Parisian-born midfielder is the type Australia will need to be firing in the future.

While his battles with his body are well documented, one would think a healthy Daniel Arzani would also serve as a walk-up starter in any Australian U23 side that he is eligible for.

And, even if he’s still working his way back to full fitness and verve, the prestige that the Olympics hold in the men’s game makes the pursuit of results within them a secondary consideration to their use as a conduit for preparing players such as the 21-year-old for the rigours senior international football.  

Cameron Devlin, the 21 year old December A-League player of the month, is another that should come into serious consideration not just for a place in the squad should Australia progress to the Games of the XXXII Olympiad.

Had his surge in form for Wellington Phoenix arrived just a week or two prior it is highly likely that the youngster would have been a fixture at the base of the Olyroos in Thailand.

And of course, shamed Olyroo Riley McGree will have served his suspension and be eligible for a recall in time for Tokyo.

Yes, there remains another step to be taken before Australia can book their place in Japan – but it’s never to early to start plotting.