Aussies miss Olympics

Australia won't have a side at the Olympic football tournament for this year's Games in London after Aurelio Vidmar's under-23 side lost 1-0 to the United Arab Emirates in Abu Dhabi on Thursday.

Vidmar's troops needed a win to at least stay in the hunt for second spot in the group and a playoff place but again struggled in front of goal.

The under-23 side have now not scored a goal in any of their five qualifying matches and will now miss the Games football tournament for the first time since 1984.

While the Aussie youngsters did threaten the UAE goal on a few occasions, they couldn't sustain any constant pressure and were undone by a goal for the home side midway through the first half.

Goalkeeper Matt Ryan won't be happy with his role in the goal, beaten at his near post after the hosts took a short corner.

The UAE were content to sit back and soak up the pressure after that but the Australians really couldn't make the most of the possession they had and turn it into goals.

Melbourne Heart winger Mate Dugandzic had the best chance, clipping the crossbar with a shot, while Aaron Mooy and captain Oliver Bozanic also missed good opportunities.

Australia are last in their four-team group and can't finish in the top two spots with just one game left against Iraq in Gosford on March 14.