Qantas Olyroos Draw With Iran

The Qantas Under 23’s have kicked off the four-nation tournament in Vietnam with a 0-0 draw against Iran, with the highlight of the match being Central Coast Mariners keeper Danny Vukovic saving a 32nd minute penalty.

The Qantas Under 23-s have kick started their 2008 Olympics campaign, with a 0-0 draw against Iran, in their four-nation tournament being held in Vietnam.

In a game of few chances, the highlight came at the other end of the park, with Central Coast Mariners keeper Danny Vukovic (pictured right) saving a penalty in the 32nd minute.

The closest Australia came to scoring was from Perth Glory midfielder David Micevski, who was just wide in the 28th minute after good work by Melbourne Victory-s Kristian Sarkies down the left.

Four minutes, Iran had the perfect opportunity to take the lead when Sydney FC defender Jacob Timpano was adjudged to have brought down an Iranian attacker. However Vukovic, who played a major role in getting Central Coast to the final of the Hyundai A-League, guessed the right way to make the save.

Iran also went close straight after the half time break, when a lopping cross hit the top of the crossbar, while two minutes later Melbourne Victory-s Vince Lia went narrowly with a header from Sarkies corner.

Australia were almost gifted a late winner, when the Iran keeper failed to hold Sarkies free kick, but he managed to regather with three Australian players ready to pounce on the loose ball.

They will now play the Vietnam national team on Tuesday evening, following by a match against the Uzbekistan Under 23 team on Thursday.

Match Details

Australia 0 Iran 0

Australia Line-up: Danny Vukovic (gk); Mark Milligan, Jacob Timpano, Adrian Leijer, David Micevski (Nick Ward 58-), Stuart Musialik, Spase Dilevski (Jordan Simpson 70-), Vince Lia (Tyler Simpson 86-), Kristian Sarkies, Ruben Zadkovich, Dez Giraldi Subs Not Used: Justin Pasfield (gk); Nikor Topor-Stanley Not available: Mark Bridge, Adam Casey

Cautions: Timpano (32-), Ward (76-)

Perth Glory-s Billy Celeski was a late withdrawal from the touring squad because of a hip strain and was replaced by former Queensland Roar midfielder Jordan Simpson.