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New Zealand's Chris Wood, center left, competes for the ball with Australia's Matthew Spiranovic during their international friendly soccer match in Adelaide, Australia, Sunday, June 5, 2011. (AP Photo/James Elsby)
With some of the more experienced first team regulars being saved for Serbia tomorrow night at Docklands, this game against a weakened All Whites was an opportunity to cast an eye over the bevy of players knocking on the door.
While the match was a bit of a slow burner, which only picked up after the players found their feet on a slick surface, the Socceroos controlled much of the proceedings, looking comfortable throughout.
In part they had Glenn Moss to thank for coughing up an early goal, presenting Josh Kennedy with a poor first touch that the big Nagoya Grampus striker accepted sharply.
Perhaps the early mistake was a reflection on New Zealand’s mental state heading into this clash. No doubt they were exhausted after a long trip back from the USA, where they were beaten 3-0 by Mexico, and it showed.
In that sense, they didn’t quite provide Osieck’s men with the stern Trans-Tasman test the latter were expecting.
But Australia still had to get the job done, and it is one they did well.
After a hesitant opening, which featured a deep-sitting back four, no doubt feeling their way into the game, not wishing to take too many risks, the Socceroos soon settled down, and it was the usual source that led the charge.
Brett Holman, playing in the hole in Osieck’s almost standard 4-4-1-1, soon started finding space between the Kiwis midfield and retreating defensive line, and he was soon linking with the likes of Brett Emerton, Kennedy and James Troisi.
Looking to play one-touch combinations, it didn’t always come off due to the pace of the surface, but it was a delight to see the Roos looking to play with such verve.
For a player roundly ridiculed only a couple of years ago, Holman has progressed to the point he must now be among the first names on Osieck’s team sheet.
Mobility was the real feature of the final 20 minutes of the first half. Even Kennedy looked far more active here than he has for the past few years.
Clearly the confidence from playing regularly and scoring in Japan is having an effect.
Soon Troisi and left back Michael Zullo were combining, taking turns in getting beyond All Whites right back Ben Sigmund, and whipping balls in from the byline.
While not doing anything exceptional, both had very sound games and should get more opportunities under Osieck, even if they miss out tomorrow.
Troisi, in particular, grew with confidence as the game went on, taking more initiative on the ball, before rounding his night with a well taken spot-kick and celebrating in front of his home crowd.
Zullo, meanwhile, gives Osieck nice depth in what looked a light area. Ersan Gulum might be lost, but not all else at left back appears to be.
While it was youth down the left flank, the opposite featured the experienced Emerton and Luke Wilkshire from the start.
At the break they were replaced by the youthful duo Dario Vidosic and Rhys Williams, who had a telling effect, combining beautifully and giving Kosta Barbarouses and Jeremy Brockie a working over.
While Carl Valeri and Neil Kilkenny had a subdued first period, the mitigate was the slippery cricket pitch area. With footing so uncertain, it was a difficult night for any central midfielder.
But the Socceroos eventually adapted, recognising that the easiest way to handle the surface was to keep it simple by moving the ball quickly and getting bodies in motion.
One-touch angled passes soon became the standard.
With Robbie Kruse (on at the break for Holman) and Alex Brosque (on soon after for Kennedy) introduced, the Kiwis were suddenly facing a bevy of young, hungry Roos attackers, all keen to get into the box and make an impression.
This hunger extended to re-gathering the ball swiftly. The work ethic was strong.
Only when Marco Rojas came on late and carried the ball forward at pace did the Roos look under any sort of pressure.
Overall it was a very professional Socceroos job in wet and slippery conditions, one that will give Osieck some nice options going forward.
For now though some of the more established players get their chance tomorrow, and while Serbia suffered a 2-1 loss to South Korea on Friday, there’s every chance, being the enigma they are, that they will be right up for the clash.
Sterner tests, it seems, await for all.
Socceroos player ratings
Nathan Coe 6.5; Didn’t have a great deal to do, but kept his concentration well, not taking any risks with his kicking and catching the ball well. Bigger tests will follow.
Luke Wilkshire 6; Only used for 45 minutes and looked to be playing well within himself, rarely getting forward and keeping things simple. More to come, you sense, tomorrow night.
Jon McKain 6.5; Finished with the captain’s armband after a solid showing. While he defended a little deep early, pressed up more at the start if the second half.
Matthew Spiranovic 6.5; Looked a little hesitant early, but took the responsibility for dealing with Chris Wood and handled everything in the air.
Michael Zullo 7; Started slowly, but burst to life after 30 minutes, going beyond Troisi a couple of times. In an encouraging display, he showed some incredible pace, particularly to recover into defensive positions.
Brett Emerton 6.5; Only featured in the first half, but drove forward diagonally, linking well with Holman and Kennedy.
Carl Valeri 7; A tough night for central midfielders on a slippery pitch, and after a hesitant start, Valeri got going in the second period, controlling proceedings.
Neil Kilkenny 6; On a tough night in the middle of the park, Kilkenny might have missed a couple of passes, but kept presenting. Will hopefully get another opportunity soon on a better surface.
James Troisi 7.5; Grew with confidence as the game went on, taking more initiative, always looking to dribble and link. Nice finish for the penalty, it was a performance that should give him more confidence.
Brett Holman 7.5; While only featuring for 45 minutes, it was a rousing contribution, buzzing about in the hole, pressuring the All Whites’ every touch and then looking to link up in forward transition.
Josh Kennedy 7; Best performance in green and gold for many years, looking very sharp and mobile. Not only did he bag a brace, but combined well with Holman.
Substitutes
Robbie Kruse 6.5; Movement, on off the ball was a feature, popping up both left and right, and went on a great run to win the injury time penalty.
Dario Vidosic 7; Excellent 45 minutes, both in general play and at the set piece corners. Sharp on the ball, good movement and worked hard defensively.
Rhys Williams 7.5; Linked up beautifully with Vidosic down the right, solid in the tackle and good at carrying the ball forward. Won’t be long before he’s putting some serious heat on for a starting spot in any number of positions.
Alex Brosque 6.5; Good movement and very unlucky not to win a penalty after making a sharp run in behind.
Matt McKay 6.5; Came on at left back, got on the ball and started buzzing about in his normal way, looking to link and play with those around him.
Mark Milligan 6; Didn’t get much game time, but was very aggressive, biting into his tackles and spreading the ball well.
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