Australia stun Argentina in Tokyo 2020 opener

By SFC Media time Thu 22 Jul International
Photo by Getty Images

Caleb Watts helped Australia record a stunning victory over Argentina as the Olyroos kicked off their Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games campaign in perfect fashion.

The Southampton youngster, who’s the youngest member of Graham Arnold’s squad, was introduced on 72 minutes and helped stun one of the pre-tournament favourites with a 2-0 win.

Leading through Lachie Wales’s early strike, Australia were helped further on the stroke of half-time by the dismissal of Francisco Ortega, leaving Argentina with 10-men.

Going close to doubling their lead after the break, Watts was on the pitch when Marco Tilio delivered a decisive second strike with 10 minutes remaining, to confirm a result that will make the rest of the tournament stand up and take note.

Competing in their first Games since Beijing 2008, Arnold’s side came into Thursday’s clash as the underdogs against an Argentina side fresh from Copa America success.

Dubbed the ‘group of death’ with Egypt and Spain also named in Group C, Watts and Australia will look to build some momentum when they’re next in action on Sunday against Spain.

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