Olyroos fall to Japan

Australia's U-23 national team suffered a 3-1 defeat to Japan's U-23 side in an international at the Tohoku Denryoku Bigswan Stadium, Niigata.

The Olyroos have lost their final hitout before the Olympic qualifiers later this month with the Japan

Under-23s beating Aurelio Vidmar's side 3-1 in a friendly.

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Brisbane Roar's Mitch Nichols got the Olyroos off to a perfect start when he scored in the fourth minute after a quick counter attack at the Tohoki Denryoku Bigswan Stadium in Niigata, Japan.

The Australian side looked sharp after the goal, dominating the midfield and creating numerous chances.

But they were unable to capitalise on their opportunities and on the stroke of halftime Kensuke Nagai made them pay with an equaliser.

In the 50th minute Japan went close when Hiroshi Kiyotake's shot hit the post.

Former Liverpool reserve goalkeeper Dean Bouzanis, who came on for Andrew Redmayne at half-time, was left rooted to the ground as he watched the shot hit the crossbar.

Soon after Bouzanis was again in the action when defender Ryan McGowan headed the ball back to the keeper.

But the pass was intercepted by Nagai, who flicked his shot over the on rushing Bouzanis to give him a double and make the score 2-1.

Nagai then turned provider with five minutes to go when his inch perfect cross found the unmarked Yuya Osako at the edge of the 16-yard box and he hit a neat volley to put the result beyond

doubt.

The Olyroos take on Yemen in Olympic qualifiers on June 19 and 23.