The Socceroos have answered their critics in emphatic style with several goals and a clean sheet to sweep away a lacklustre Czech Republic in a complete performance, with a 4-nil victory.
The starting 11 that took the field for Australia looked as strong as you could ask, with maybe only Mile Jedinak a likely player to come into the starting side.
Australia started slowly, as the formation and precision of the Czechs early on caused Australia to chase the game. However, the Czechs simply could not take their chances, and in this game, being clinical can be everything.
Certainly, the Australians at time looked unsteady at the back, however great last minute challenges by Trent Sainsbury, along with a strong showing from Mark Milligan, gave Australia stability that seemed sturdier as the game wore on.
As Tom Rogic found Josh Risdon out wide, the ball whipped in and eventually came to a charging Mat Leckie, who buried the ball into the net. As the half-time whistle approached, Australia were up front, regardless of their claim to being the better team.
Australia’s Tom Rogic is a proud Canberra boy.(AAP Image/David Moir)
The second half was ultimately all Australia’s, and when Andrew Nabbout hammered home the second, and his debut international goal, Australia calmed down, and started to play some free football. Nabbout’s was a goal of killer instinct and clinical precision, and has surely banked his spot for the upcoming Russian tournament.
Further goals to Leckie (for an international brace) and a Degenek deflected goal, along with the clean sheet, would have given Bert Van Marwijk great confidence for the next friendly, and the World Cup itself.
Daniel Arzani also made his debut, with a notable mention to Mark Milligan and Trent Sainsbury commandeering the centre of defence.
While the goals will be the highlight, the clean sheet will in the main please the coach, notwithstanding the poor finishing up the front by the Czech Republic.
For a change though, the Socceroos will be giving Bert Van Marwijk questions to answer, but those questions will be pleasant to think about. For now, this side will look to build on this result, rather than rest on the laurels that it would otherwise provide.
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