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289 days. That’s how long Australian football had to live with the ghosts of Durban where the Socceroos so meekly capitulated to Germany in their opening game.
Davidde rates our Socceroos with player ratings from the game – and watch the goals
It took marginally less then that for Australia to turn the game on its head after Mario Gomez put the hosts in front after 26 minutes.
First came David Carney, who had endured a torrid time all night up against Andre Schurrle, to equalise for the Socceroos.
Then there was Harry Kewell. The player who always seems to stand tall when Australia needs him, drew a foul from Christian Trasch in the German penalty area.
Luke Wilkshire converted from the spot and put the Socceroos ahead 2-1.
Two goals in three minutes brought a win to go along side some of the country’s best.
Critics will point to Australia’s dire first half where they failed to find their rhythm as they attempted to force themselves onto the game.
But those two goals, which came against the run of play, changed everything.
All of a sudden the Socceroos looked inspired and lifted their intensity.
This morning proved Australia is still a flawed team but one capable of the remarkable. Even more importantly this win is the perfect launching pad for greater things.
The key to the win for the Socceroos: there was more to this international break then simply an international friendly though.
Australia’s Asian Cup campaign is now behind it and attention has turned towards World Cup qualifying which beings in September.
It was appropriate then that the Socceroos took their first step towards 2014 in Brazil against the team who effectively killed off Australia’s World Cup chances last year.
Now with the mistakes of Durban corrected and a raft of promising youngsters starting to emerge, Australia can look forward to its next World Cup qualifying campaign with bright eyes.
Socceroos player ratings:
Mark Schwarzer 7
David Carney 5.5
Lucas Neill 7.5
Sasa Ognenovski 7
Luke Wilkshire 6.5
Matt McKay 7
Carl Valeri 7
Mile Jedinak 6
Brett Emerton 6
Brett Holman 8
Harry Kewell 6.5
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