Olyroos lose warm-up game to last-minute goal

Olyroos lose warm-up game to last-minute goal

JAPAN defeated Australia 2-1 in a tune-up game ahead of the Beijing Olympics, with substitute striker Shinji Okazaki scoring the winning goal in the last minute.

The Olyroos made to a good start, exchanging quick passes to make the pace in the first 15 minutes, and they opened the scoring in the 34th minute through Archie Thompson.

The Japanese defenders made an error, allowing Perth Glory forward Nikita Rukavytsya to take the ball. Rukavytsya passed the ball to striker partner Thompson, who shot home with accuracy.

Japan equalised seven minutes later when midfielder Shinji Kagawa quickly collected a pass from Takayuki Morimoto in the area.

Japan dominated proceedings in the second half, but Australia held out until Okazaki grabbed the winner when he dived for a header on a cross from midfielder Hiroyuki Taniguchi and the ball hit the right post before bouncing into the Olyroos' goal.
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"I planned to go for it in the second half, thinking we will play in similar hot conditions in the Olympics," Japan coach Yasuharu Sorimachi said.

"It was good that we scored a goal at the last moment.

"Our next and last tune-up game is against powerhouses Argentina. I expect that we cannot play our usual game, but we will do our best before going to Beijing."

Australia will play Serbia, Argentina and Ivory Coast in Group A of the Olympic football competition, while Japan will play Nigeria, the United States and the Netherlands in Group B.

Japan also defeated Australia 3-0 in the women's tune-up game.

The Matildas did not qualify for the Games.