Olyroos Eye Quarter-final Showdown

Illawarra Mercury

Monday August 16, 2004

By AGRON LATIFI

LUKE Wilkshire played his part in the Olyroos' crushing 5-1 victory over Serbia and Montenegro that put Australia on track for a quarter-final appearance at the Olympic Games.

The Illawarra product has set his sights on making sure Australia make the last eight by downing soccer powerhouse Argentina in Athens on Wednesday.

Saturday's big win puts the Australians in the box seat to finish second in Group C after Argentina locked up a quarter-final berth in the Olympic football competition with a dominating 2-0 win over Tunisia.

Wilkshire, who played the whole game against Serbia and Montenegro, realises the Olyroos - who have a six-goal better differential than Tunisia - don't necessarily need to beat Argentina to qualify for the quarter-finals.

But the 22-year-old said the Olyroos were keen to "prove some knockers wrong" by beating the highly fancied Argentines.

"People have doubted us, especially back home in Australia, but we've known all along what we're capable of," Wilkshire said.

"We're keen to show to people that we are a good team and we deserve to make the quarter-finals.

"To do that, I think it is important we go out and get a result against Argentina.

"They're obviously a good team, but I believe we are good enough to at least match them."

If Australia play as well against Argentina as they did against Serbia and Montenegro, they'd fancy their chances of success.

Everton midfielder Tim Cahill opened the scoring after only 11 minutes against the Serbs and Montenegrins before striker John Aloisi scored just before the break to give Australia a 2-0 lead.

Aloisi bagged his second early in the second half before nippy midfielder Ahmad Elrich kicked two goals to complete the scoring rout for the Olyroos.

Wilkshire said attacking with "more urgency" was the key to their success.

"I thought we played well against Tunisia (1-all) as well, but our attack in this game was much better," he said.

"We went forward with a purpose and that showed in the scoreboard.

"Hopefully we can continue our good scoring form against Argentina."

© 2004 Illawarra Mercury

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