Olyroos announce four warm-up friendlies and experimental squad in preparation for Tokyo Olympics

Kieran Francis

Olyroos announce four warm-up friendlies and experimental squad in preparation for Tokyo Olympics image

The Olyroos have set up a quality preparation for Tokyo Olympics with the team locking in four friendlies against different opposition in the month before the Games begin.

In preparing themselves for their first trip the Olympics since 2008, where they will face Spain, Argentina and Egypt, the Olyroos have organised four matches in 10 days while in a Spain based hub.

Graham Arnold's side will first take on the Republic of Ireland at the Estadio Municipal in Marbella on June 2, before taking on Saudi Arabia (June 5), Romania (June 8) and Mexico (June 12) at the same venue on the southern Spanish peninsula.

A 23-man squad was also announced for the quartet of matches, with prodigy Daniel Arzani headlining the list of talent hoping to prove themselves for selection in the list of players on the plane to Tokyo.

The Olyroos' Olympic campaign is scheduled to kick off in Japan on July 21 and end on August 7 with 16 teams competing for the prized gold medal.

Graham Arnold's side were drawn from Pot 4 for the draw and have been selected to play in Group C against Egypt, Spain and Argentina.

After failing to qualify for the past two Olympics, the Olyroos will be desperate to prove themselves with Arnold previously stressing his belief that they can win a medal in Tokyo.

Olyroos Olympics warm-up matches

(All matches will be played at he Estadio Municipal in Marbella, Spain)


Wed June 2 - Australia v Republic of Ireland (U21)

Kick-off: 1:00pm local; 9:00pm AEST

 

Sat June 5 - Australia v Saudi Arabia

Kick-off: 2:00pm local; 10pm AEST

 

Tues June 8 - Australia v Romania

Kick-off: 1:00pm local; 9:00pm AEST

 

Sat June 12 - Australia v Mexico

Kick-off: 8:00pm local; 4:00am AEST Sunday, 13 June

 

Olyroos squad for warm-up matches

Panos ARMENAKAS

SV Zulte Waregem, Belgium

Daniel ARZANI

AGF Aarhus, Denmark

Jacob CHAPMAN (Gk)

Huddersfield Town AFC, England

Gabriel CLEUR

Virtus Entella, Italy

Tyrese FRANCOIS

Fulham FC, England

Doni GRDIC

HNK Sibenik, Croatia

Jordan HOLMES (Gk)

Ebbsfleet United, England

John IREDALE

SC Paderborn 07, Germany

Jacob ITALIANO

Borussia Monchengladbach, Germany

Deni JURIC

HNK Sibenik, Croatia

Anthony KALIK

HNK Gorica, Croatia

Ashley MAYNARD-BREWER (Gk)

Charlton Athletic, England

Ramy NAJJARINE

Newcastle Jets, Australia

Connor O’TOOLE

Newcastle Jets, Australia

Con OUZOUNIDIS

Everton FC, England

Nicholas PENNINGTON

Olbia Calcio 1905, Italy

Kristian POPOVIC

NK Rudes, Croatia

Luka PRSO

Newcastle Jets, Australia

Jay RICH-BAGHUELOU

Crystal Palace FC, England

Dylan RYAN

Melbourne Victory, Australia

Ryan TEAGUE

FC Famalicao, Portugal

Marc TOKICH

Mjallby AIF, Sweden

Caleb WATTS

Southampton FC, England

Kieran Francis

Kieran Francis Photo

Kieran Francis is a senior editor at The Sporting News based in Melbourne, Australia. He started at Sportal.com.au before being a part of the transition to Sporting News in 2015. Just prior to the 2018 World Cup, he was appointed chief editor of Goal.com in Australia. He has now returned to The Sporting News where his passions lay in football, AFL, poker and cricket - when he is not on holiday.