Olyroos off to a good start
17/05/2008 12:17:17 PM
The Qantas Under 23s have defeated Croatia 3-0 in their opening Intercontinental Cup match at the KLFA Stadium in Kuala Lumpur on Friday night.
Nikita Rukavytsya opened the scoring in the 18th minute after a long throw from Nikolai Topor Stanley was flicked on by Nigel Boogaard for Rukavytsya to head home.
Troy Hearfield doubled the lead shortly after half-time with a shot from the edge of the box before substitute James Troisi completed the scoring in the 74th minute with a well placed left-footed strike.
The tournament is being used as preparation for the Beijing Olympics and coach Graham Arnold was very positive after his team's first up performance.
"I was very pleased with the work rate of the players in hot conditions and their mental attitude was very good," Arnold said after the match.
"Croatia are a physical side and we matched them."
"To win in this fashion was a good start to the tournament."
In the other group match, Chile defeated Togo 5-1 to go top of the group.
The Olyroos' next match is against Chile on Sunday, and will now face Togo on Tuesday after Ghana pulled out of the tournament earlier in the week.
Australia 3 (Rukavytsya 18, Hearfield 52, Troisi 74)
Croatia 0