Slovakia 1 - Australia 0

LONDON, March 22 AAP - The Olyroos were left to rue a handful of missed chances as they went down 1-0 to highly rated Slovakia in a soccer friendly in Bratislava, Slovakia, today.

The Australian under-23 side was also rocked by an ankle injury to Parramatta and Socceroo defender Stephen Laybutt, who will miss Tuesday's friendly against Holland.

In a match played in chilly conditions, Slovakia went ahead a minute before half-time through Marek Mintal, who slotted the ball over Olyroo goalkpeer Joe Didluca and into the top left corner after a goalmouth scramble.

The Aussies were far from shattered with their narrow loss, even if it tempered good news emerging from Olympic headquarters today that they were likely to be one of the top seeds -- with Brazil -- in the Sydney Games.

The Olyroos went into the match aware Slovakia had stormed into the final eight of the European qualification round for the Sydney Olympics, with recent victims including Russia and Portugal.

But a handful of missed opportunities will gnaw at the Australians long after the game.

The worst was committed in the first half by South Melbourne striker Michael Curjica, who had great position in front of goal but waited too long for the ball to arrive, allowing the Slovakian defenders in.

Captain Brett Emerton had two near misses and striker Clayton Zane one as the Olyroos applied heavy pressure in the second half.

"We had enough chances, and they were clear-cut chances," said Olyroos technical director Les Scheinflug.

"Slovakia had one chance all day and took it.

"But they are a good solid side, and we didn't play as good as we can.

"We've got a lot of players in Europe who sit on the bench for their clubs alot, and that told today.

"We'll have to work on it before Holland."

Laybutt went over on his ankle on the half hour and damaged ankle ligaments, and was replaced by West Ham's Chris Coyne.

Scheinflug said Laybutt -- who scored in the Socceroo's 3-0 friendly win in Hungary last month -- was expected to be sidelined for two weeks.

Meanwhile Brazil and Australia looked set to be the top two seeds for the men's Olympic soccer tournament after the Olympic football Commission made its recommendation to world governing body FIFA here today.

FIFA's Executive Committee will make the final decision on Friday morning.


Written by Trevor Marshallsea of AAP