Victory might have been visible in Graham Arnold’s crew, which was top Group H, but the Koreans eclipsed his aspect with a higher goal difference—simply one throughout their three suits.
An eight-zero win over Taiwan and a 6-1 victory over Cambodia were sufficient for the 2012 bronze medallists to finish above the Olyroos, who were seeking to reach the Olympics for the first time since 2008.
However, Arnold’s aspect will join Korea in January’s AFC U-23 Championship in Thailand as one of the exceptional four runners-up from the eleven qualifying companies thanks to a couple of 6-zero wins over Cambodia and Taiwan.
In Thailand, 16 teams will combat it for three Asian locations, alongside hosts Japan, at the 2020 Games.
Two first-1/2 desires from Brisbane Roar youngster Nick D’Agostino gave the Olyroos the right begin in Phnom Penh simplest for Korea to hit lower back to say a deserved draw following a 2d-1/2 onslaught.
D’Agostino opened the scoring in the 16th minute, stabbed domestic from close range after the Korean defense didn’t cope with a low cross from Melbourne City winger Lachlan Wales.
The 21-yr-antique doubled his aspect’s lead six minutes later with a clever finish following a surging run from Socceroos worldwide Alex Gersbach.
However, the Koreans almost immediately halved the deficit through Cho Young Wook.
Wook buried a low shot beyond Thomas Glover after Harry Souttar inadvertently diverted the ball into his direction, having blocked a shot from the threshold of the box.
Riley McGree then had a wonderful opportunity to repair Australia’s two-intention gain on the stroke of halftime. At the same time, extraordinary Wales once more were given the better of the Korean left-returned and crossed into the field.
But the unmarked midfielder screwed his header extensively from five meters out with just the keeper to conquer.
The Koreans came out for the second one-half in decided style and ruled possession because the Olyroos desperately clung directly to their lead.
Souttar saved the blushes of Glover with a sliding clearance off the road after the keeper spilled an innocent searching shot that bounced up awkwardly off the pitch.
But the Tottenham gloveman then redeemed himself with top-notch full-length diving to deny Lee Dong-gyeong.
The Korean playmaker, who became at the center of everything high-quality for his side, was then denied via the put-up. His curling attempt bounced backpedal the woodwork as Arnold’s facet struggled to get out in their personal 1/2.
But the No.10 subsequently found a manner beyond Glover with a sweetly struck first-time end to stage the rankings.
