“I hope Argentina bring Lionel Messi as well.” : Australia Coach

Drawn with twice champions Argentina, 1992 winners Spain and Egypt, the ‘Olyroos’ face an uphill battle to reach the knockout rounds of the 16-team tournament, their first Games since Beijing in 2008.

"Let’s not write the ‘group of death’ any more. It’s a group of dreams," Arnold told reporters on Thursday.

"This is what you dream about in world football in these types of tournaments.

"The players, this is what they want.

"I couldn’t be happier with the draw. It’s a great opportunity for the younger players to really put themselves on the stage and really show what they’ve got.

"I hope Argentina bring Lionel Messi as well."

The men’s tournament in Japan is for under-24 players but nations are allowed to bring three over-age players.

Arnold, who also coaches Australia’s senior team, said all of his squad wanted an Olympic jersey but he would rather not bring any over-age footballers as it would deny younger talents their chance on the world stage.

"If we have a very good player in a certain position of an Olyroo age, then that Olyroo-aged player will go and there will be no over-age player for that position," he said.

"Kids are getting a lot of game-time in the A-League, players overseas are impressing, so we’ve got to give those kids the opportunity first.

"I’m not going to pick a team around three over-age players."

Australia’s best result in Olympic soccer was fourth at Barcelona in 1992, the first Games dedicated to under-23 sides.

Report by Chetali S M
Reported on – 22/04/2021