19 Jan Australia one win away from Tokyo 2020 qualification after extra-time victory over Syria

The Olyroos are just one win away from qualifying for the Olympics for the first time in 12 years after beating Syria 1-0 in extra time overnight.

In what was a game played in energy-sapping conditions, Adelaide United young gun Al Hassan Toure’s calm finish in the 102nd minute was the difference between the two sides.

The result sees Australia progress to the Asian U-23 Championship semi-finals, with the tournament doubling as qualification for the Tokyo 2020 Olympics.

Australia now only need to win their semi-final against either South Korea or Jordan on Thursday morning (AEDT) to seal a spot at the Olympics for the first time since 2008.

Al Hassan Toure scored the goal to send us into the #AFCU23 Semi Finals!

🎥: @FOXFOOTBALL #GoAustralia pic.twitter.com/iypf6PdG6w

— Socceroos (@Socceroos) January 18, 2020

If unsuccessful, they’ll head into a third-placed playoff for a second shot at qualifying for the prestigious event.

After topping Group A and earning an added rest day in the process, Australia looked to handle the hot and humid conditions better as the game stretched into extra time.

Coach Graham Arnold said he was happy with the result but only expected his side to get better as the tournament reaches its pinnacle.

“Our boys showed wonderful fight, wonderful commitment,” he said post-match.

“We knew that Syria play a very direct game, a very physical game, so the boys had to be up for the fight, and they were.”

“Overall I know that we have a lot of improvement in us than what we showed tonight.

“Getting to the semi-finals for the first time ever is great for Australia but my whole focus is on the next game and I expect the players to go up to another level.”