Jordan rout caps off impressive round for Socceroos

As the Socceroos walked off the pitch last night, having topped Group B to reach the third round of World Cup qualifying, the 2-0 defeat to Jordan in Amman last October seemed an age ago.

There were just three changes to Jordan’s starting line-up between those two games, but the disparity in quality on Australia’s part was immense.

Early jitters were calmed by Tim Cahill’s opener and thereafter it was a clinical and commanding show from Ange Postecoglou’s men. This was the Asian champions asserting their authority.

Granted, Jordan were a shadow of the team that can be so dominant on home soil. The Socceroos’ last two visits to Amman have both resulted in defeats, with two goals conceded on each occasion. The reverse fixtures though, have been a total contrast – a 4-0 win in June 2013 and last night’s 5-1 thumping.

Harry Redknapp’s brief sojourn really was a tale of two games – the 8-0 demolition of Bangladesh last week little consolation.

For the Socceroos, the win capped off a round of qualifying that yielded plenty of positives, and though there were just 24,000 people there to witness it, that was one of the most polished performances we’ve seen since the Asian Cup.

Routs of Bangladesh, Tajikistan and Kyrgyzstan were nice to boost morale, but doing it against a team with greater pedigree is far more rewarding.

There were solid performances across the pitch, but the trio of Aaron Mooy, Robbie Kruse and Cahill will rightly hog much of the attention. They all combined for the first three goals to have the points wrapped up by half-time, three brilliant passages of play that provided a glimpse into the attacking potential of this side.

Mooy’s goal was particularly impressive – a swift counter-attack started and finished by the Melbourne City midfielder. So often this campaign the Socceroos have dominated possession and been able to build towards goal, but at a stage when they were still struggling to grab control of the match, the quick break was a nice addition to the repertoire.

Mooy has arguably been the highlight of qualifying thus far, the consistency he’s shown in the A-League translating into international success. His set pieces and vision in open play last night were mesmerising, and not a bad stage to do it on, with Derby County’s football advisor Redknapp watching.

He’s just one of many storylines giving Australians plenty of hope for the future.

Cahill is ageless and peerless. Yet again, he delivered for his country – two goals taking his international tally to 47. His positioning inside the box for both of Kruse’s deliveries was exceptional, and even though Redknapp warned his defenders of the 36-year-old’s ability to get on the end of crosses, they still weren’t able to stop him.

That’s eight goals in as many games and his clear disappointment at missing out on grabbing a hat-trick is a testament to his hunger in front of goal.

The return of Kruse iced the evening even further. In his first start since the Asian Cup, the injury-plagued winger was unplayable, chiming in with three assists and playing as though he hasn’t been sidelined for much of his professional career.

His return to fitness has given Postecoglou an enviable task up front. Between Cahill, Kruse, Mat Leckie, Tom Rogic, Mooy, Mass Luongo, Apostolos Giannou, Chris Ikonomidis and Nathan Burns, the attacking stocks are strong and the depth continues to be tested. Having seven different scorers in qualifying so far is evidence of that.

Burns has been given his chance to impress, while Ikonomidis has been rewarded for his good club form and Giannou earned his first cap against Tajikistan last week.

The Guangzhou R&F striker was sublime then and again showed Postecoglou’s knack of introducing new players into the squad. Bradford full-back James Meredith made a strong debut in the 3-0 home win against Kyrgyzstan, while Josh Risdon’s debut against Bangladesh in Dhaka was backed up with 90 minutes last night.

With uncapped duo Alex Gersbach and Jason Geria also in the squad for this week’s matches, Postecoglou has done a brilliant job of giving players confidence of getting a call-up if in form, and ensuring there is no complacency among the regulars.

The overall style of play and individual performances have improved over the last eight games and with the likes of Jamie Maclaren, Jackson Irvine and Oliver Bozanic all firing for their clubs, things look promising.

There is some perspective needed. The next stage will be a much greater challenge, and the Socceroos will have to adjust to not being in total control.

But there is plenty to be proud of after the second round. Overall, last night’s match was enjoyable to watch and should be enough to attract a wider audience.

Ange’s men have done their bit, hopefully the support grows for the third round as Russia gets closer.