The Socceroos haven’t yet found their way to next year’s World Cup finals.
But they have surely found their best starting 11 after a commanding 4-0 win over Jordan at Etihad Stadium which moves them within sight of Brazil.
In the match against Japan, this Socceroos side showed tenacity and solidity in defence.
Against Jordan, it was fluid, fertile attack – the type which has rarely been seen recently under Holger Osieck.
Yet another tick for Osieck, the manager.
Resisting the temptation to tinker with his starting side from Japan probably set the Socceroos towards victory against Jordan in the first of two must-win games.
A team with momentum, belief, and in form was sent into battle, and what followed was one of the most complete big-match performances Australia has produced in Osieck’s two years at the helm.
Their stated mission was an early goal. They got it.
Tim Cahill’s big-match goals are regularly talked up.
Mark Bresciano’s also have a knack of coming in the biggest matches. Uruguay 2005, Bahrain 2008, now Jordan 2013.
Just 15 minutes in, that meant any thoughts Jordan may be able to time-waste or frustrate their way to a point went out the window.
They had to push forward, and quicksilver Robbie Kruse and Brett Holman poured into the gaps they left.
Bresciano’s vision was exemplary and pivotal, and despite just a 1-0 scoreline to halftime, a second looked inevitable.
Just as inevitably, it was Cahill who provided it, before Kruse nutmegged his way to Socceroos star status with a memorable third.
Skipper Lucas Neill capped it off with his first international goal in 91 outings.
Now Australia just needs to beat Iraq in Sydney next week for a spot at a third World Cup.
What has become clear is right now, Osieck has discovered a side genuinely capable of getting them there.
For the first time in 16 years, Harry Kewell is not close to it, nor even on the fringe of discussions.
As it stands, Kewell would have to have the most stellar of A-League seasons for Melbourne Heart in his club comeback to fight his way into Australia’s best 11.
Tommy Oar, Brett Holman and Tim Cahill cover the three positions he could. They don’t appear to be going anywhere but skywards. In 12 months, expect Tom Rogic to be equally airborne on his brief cameo at Etihad Stadium.
If Australia can repeat this performance, Iraq should hold no fears.
It’s not quite time to samba for Socceroos, but it was encouraging to see their hips swing a little.
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