WA Trio Ready For Olyroos Clash

The Olyroos will begin their Olympic campaign tonight with a match against Serbia from the Shanghai Stadium in China.

Australia will be represented by three West Australians, with Perth Glory stars Nikita Rukavytsya, Nikolai Topor-Stanley and Tando Velaphi all in the Olyroos squad.

The match against Serbia is almost an instant do or die encounter with the Olyroos scheduled to face the might of Argentina on Sunday before a difficult clash against emerging African nation, Ivory Coast.

Australia first entered the Olympic football tournament in Melbourne in 1956 and didn’t feature again until Seoul in 1988. Australia’s best ever effort in an Olympic campaign came in 1992 when the Olyroos finished fourth, with stars like Ned Zelic and Mark Viduka earning world reputations, following stand out performances.

Jade North, who is one of Australia’s three over-age players, told SBS he believes the Olyroos are capable of winning a medal.

“I really think we’re going to shock a lot of people and go on to make history by finishing among the top three nations,” said North.

“I believe it and I know the rest of the boys share that belief. Now we’re here in China, there’s a huge buzz around the place and you know you’re about to be a part of something very big.

“We aren’t afraid of anybody here and we want to show them what Australian football is all about.

North was quick to suggest tonight’s match with Serbia could decide the Olyroos’ fate, with a win an absolute must.

“We’ve got to hit the ground running,” he admitted. “Our second game is against Argentina and we can’t afford to go into that one without any points on the board- it would leave us with a mountain to climb.

“There won’t be any second chances for any of us- and I can tell you we’ll give it a real good shake.”

For results and news on the Olyroos Beijing campaign, stay tuned to wais.org.au for all the latest.