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Marco Tilio (No.19) celebrates after scoring Australia’s second goal against Argentina on Thursday in Sapporo.Credit:Getty

Tilio is the youngest Australian male to score at the Olympics and he did it with just his second touch of the game. Within a minute of coming on as a substitute,Tilio hit the back of the net with an emphatic left-foot strike late in the game. It clinched what is arguably the team’s greatest win in Olympic history.

Tilio was initially set to be only a spectator for the Argentina game. He was called up by Arnold as a train-on player and wasn’t enlisted in the squad. However,an injury to Ramy Najjarine opened the door and Reno Piscopo’s calf strain on Thursday night handed the teenager his chance.

At just 165cm tall,Tilio grew up admiring Argentina star Lionel Messi,who showed him how the right technique could overcome a lack of size. Playing against the country of his idol was something he had dreamt of.

He was banned from mentioning “Messi” or “Maradona” in the build-up to the game. Arnold also reportedly referred to Argentina only as “opposition number one” as part of his psychological preparation.

Now,he and the Olyroos are eyeing another scalp. They face Spain on Sunday - or as Tilio referred to them,“opposition number two” - before finishing the group stage against Egypt next week. However,the Olyroos have their eyes on extending their stay and leaving with a medal,going one better than the side of 1992 that reached the semi-finals.

“We always have a strong belief and family culture within the team,the sky is the limit with us and all the boys believe. Everyone comes here with the same goal,to win the gold medal,” Tilio said.

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