‘Herculean’ Olyroos unravel late against Spain

Spain has downed the Olyroos 1-0 after dominating Australia for the majority of their Group C clash in Sapporo.

The Olyroos had come into the match hot off an emphatic 2-0 victory over Argentina, but they’d be met with far more clinical opposition against Spain, forced to battle the majority of the match deep in defence.

Graham Arnold’s men managed to hold out 0-0 deadlock until the 80th minute until the onslaught became too much as Spanish skipper Mikel Oyarzabal headed in a tantalising cross from Real Madrid star Marco Asensio.

Australia enjoyed periods of counter-attacking success but they were few and far between as the professionalism of the Spaniards ensured full points by the final whistle.

Marco Tilio was again impressive during his feature, as was Daniel Arzani who asked questions of his defenders. But the little possession in midfield made it nearly impossible for the Olyroos to build sustained periods of play, instead, relying on flashes in attack to keep pressure off their own defence.

The loss sees Australia slip to second in Group C, requiring vital points from their next clash against Egypt to progress to the quarter-finals.

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