Australia all but certain to progress

While there remain a few, unlikely, scenarios in which it doesn’t happen, the three points earned against the Thais are likely to be enough to ensure that Australia will progress to the quarterfinals of the Championships and keep their dreams of Olympic qualification alive.

Top of their group with four points, a single point earned against bottom of the group Bahrain will be enough to guarantee progression, whereas a win would ensure that the Olyroos do so as the winners of Group A.

Thailand and Iraq will meet in the group’s other fixture, with whichever side that prevails in that contest guaranteed progression. Should the Thais triumph and Australia fail to take maximum points, they will go through as group winners.

The winners of Group A will take on the runners-up in Group B in the quarterfinals, while the second-placed finishers will face Group B’s winners.

Saudi Arabia – featuring a number of players that knocked Australia out of the most recent AFC U19 Championship – currently top that group after one matchday, with Syria and Qatar level on points and Japan bringing up the rear.

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Olyroos vs Thailand: Player Ratings

The Olyroos shocked tournament hosts Thailand with a come-from-behind 2-1 win in Bangkok. There are still things to work on, but that result puts Australia in a more comfortable position to make the quarter-finals.