Socceroos v Olyroos: The difference between Australia's two men's teams

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While most eyes will be trained on Graham Arnold’s Socceroos side at the AFC Asian Cup 2023 as they try to reclaim the crown that they last won nine years ago, Australia’s other men’s soccer team will also be gearing up for a major competition in the background. 

The Olyroos, led by Tony Vidmar, are the country’s under-23 national side which will be gunning for Olympic qualification during their Asian Cup campaign in April.    

Socceroos v Olyroos: The difference between Australia's two men's teams

The major difference between Australia’s two men’s soccer sides are the age groups, with the Olyroos the younger counterparts who compete primarily in the Olympics.

MORE: AFC Asian Cup 2023 - Everything to know about the tournament

They can often act as the precursors for the Socceroos and can offer fans a glimpse of the future every time the young Aussies compete, with only three players over the age of 23 allowed in the team during Olympic campaigns. 

Mark Viduka, Brett Emerton and Mark Milligan are some examples of Australian players who have progressed from the Olyroos through to the Socceroos in the past.

Emerton and Milligan each featured 25 times for the Olyroos before becoming Socceroos mainstays, while Viduka bagged a record 17 goals for the Olyroos during his time with them.

Olyroos history: Graham Arnold on importance of Socceroos' younger brother

The Olyroos were first established back in 1967 and were given the nickname to give them a clear identity away from the men’s full national side, the Socceroos. 

Watch every match of the AFC Asian Cup 2023 only on Paramount+

They have yet to experience much success on the main stage with their 4th place finish at the 1992 Barcelona Olympics their best result to date.

However, they have started to gain more positive results in recent years, with their Asian Cup campaigns generating a 3rd place finish in 2020 and a 4th place finish two years later.

Arnold spoke of the importance of the Olyroos’ improvement and connection to the Socceroos when he named his squad for the Asian Cup.

"We’ve had to be strategic with some of our selections," the coach said.

MORE: Why is Garang Kuol not playing for the Socceroos in the Asian Cup?

"Considering our Olympic qualification commences in April, we have looked to balance the age profile and experience of players across various positions in this squad."

Olyroos AFC U23 Asian Cup 2024 schedule