Australia on quarters’ brink after D’Agostino brace downs Thailand

Australia edged to within touching distance of the AFC U23 Championship Thailand 2020 quarter-finals as two goals from Nicholas D’Agostino helped them secure a hard-fought 2-1 win over Thailand on Saturday.

D’Agostino scored either side of the break to secure his side’s victory, one that, coupled with Bahrain’s draw with Iraq earlier in the day, leaves Australia leading the way in Group A and needing only a draw against the Bahrainis on Matchday Three to guarantee their place in the last eight.

The result, meanwhile, saw Thailand drop to second with Akira Nishino’s charges now requiring a point from Tuesday’s encounter with Iraq to advance.

After a cautious opening, Thailand – whose fans held aloft a banner in support of those affected by the Australian bush fires ahead of the match – fashioned the game’s first genuine chance, Supachai Chaided turning neatly and flashing an 18th minute effort just wide of the target.

The breakthrough was, however, to come just six minutes later when the advancing Thitathorn Auksornsri’s shot cannoned off an upright and Anon Amornlerdsak rammed home the rebound to hand his side the advantage.

Supachai – courtesy of an audacious attempt from fully 50 yards – and Suphanat Mueanta both then went close to adding a second for Thailand before Australia drew level on the stroke of half-time.

Reno Piscopo surged forward and delivered a pinpoint pass to D’Agostino who expertly placed the ball past Korraphat Nareechan’s despairing dive and into the far corner.

Clearly buoyed by their equaliser, Australia began the second period brightly with Dylan Ryan squandering an excellent chance from close-range and Daniel Bouman having a firm header well saved by Korraphat.

After Piscopo had drilled a shot into Korraphat’s midriff, Australia’s pressure finally paid dividends on 76 minutes, D’Agostino converting from 10 yards after superb approach play and a delightful Alex Gersbach cross.

In truth, and minus the injured Supachai, Thailand rarely threatened in the time that remained leaving Australia – who defended resolutely in the final moments of an absorbing encounter – the happier of the two teams come the final whistle.

Earlier, Mohamed Qasim struck for the second game in a row as he came off the bench once again to earn Iraq a point as Abdulghani Shahad’s side twice came back from going behind to earn a 2-2 draw with Bahrain in Group A of the AFC U23 Championship Thailand 2020 on Saturday.

Qasim had netted against Australia in Iraq’s opening game to secure a draw and he did the same again – but in more dramatic fashion – when he denied Bahrain all three points with an injury time header at Thammasat Stadium.

Mohamed Marhoon looked to have secured Bahrain the win when he put Bahrain in front for the second time in the game three minutes from time with a diving header as the game exploded into life in the dying minutes.

Bahrain had been second best for much of the second half despite taking the lead late in the opening 45 minutes through Hashim Sayed Isa, with Amir Fouad levelling for Iraq 20 minutes after the restart.

The dramatic second period stood in stark contrast to a disappointing opening 45 minutes, which started brightly before tailing off.

The Bahrainis carved out an opening inside the first minute when Ali Khadmi was forced to drop to his right to push Ahmed Sanad’s low shot away from goal, while five minutes later Hussein Jabbar’s attempt at the other end to squeeze the ball in past Ammar Mohamed at his near post was in vain.

Two minutes before the break Bahrain should have been in front. Isa picked up possession 20 yards from goal after a misplaced back pass from Mohammed Mezher but his layoff to Mohamed Marhoon went wide.

It mattered little, however, as Bahrain took the lead less than a minute later when Abdulrahman Ahmedi played Isa through on goal and his shot slipped past Khadim at his near post.

By the 65th minute the Iraqis were level when, after the Bahrain defence failed to fully clear Mustafa Mohamed Maslukhi’s cross from the right, Mustafa Mohamed Al Ezairej sent the ball in from the left and Fouad side-footed his volley beyond Ammar Mohamed.

Iraq were on top but, after misses from Jabbar and Al Ezairej, Marhoon thought he had won the game for Bahrain before Qasim steered his header home in dramatic fashion.

Iraq next play hosts Thailand while Bahrain will face Australia, with both teams needing wins to stand a chance of advancing to the knockout stage.