AUSTRALIA’S pre-World Cup nerves may have settled after they thrashed the Czech Republic 4-0 in a friendly match.
In what could have been a confidence-altering game, a new-look Socceroos side delivered the goods in Austria.
An impressive performance capped off an intense training camp and further solidified Bert van Marwijk’s philosophy – fast, high-intensity football.
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Before the game had even started, his new ideologies were evident – A ball-playing midfielder in defence, a sharp new number 9 and a regimented midfield three.
But it was a brace from Mathew Leckie, a sublime finish from the Socceroos’ possible new number 9, a calamitous own-goal and a debut for a bright young star which shaped the course of the game.
Here are the moments that mattered…
31ST MINUTE: LECKIE GOAL
After a slow start, the Socceroos began to find their rhythm.
Free-flowing, attacking football saw the fullbacks pushed higher and wider and Tom Rogic receiving the ball in advanced positions closer to the opposition goal.
And that combination came to life for the Socceroos first goal, when Rogic sprayed a pass out wide to Josh Risdon who whipped a spectacular ball across the box to Robbie Kruse.
The left winger was then able to send the ball back across the goal, putting it on a silver platter for Mathew Leckie.
54TH MINUTE: NABBOUT GOAL
Nine minutes after the second half kicked off, Andrew Nabbout fired a shot passed the Czech Republic keeper into the bottom left corner.
Stepping up in the number nine position, Nabbout solidified his role as a firm contender for a World Cup starting position.
Although not much came off for the striker prior to the goal, the finish showed his composure in the final third, combined with his ability to drive at a defence – something that the Roos could certainly implement in Russia.
Five minutes later the forward was replaced by the Jamie Maclaren.
72ND MINUTE: LECKIE GOAL
Jamie Maclaren was given his chance to prove his worth after his shock snub.
But it wasn’t the Hibs forward who would make it 3-0 as Mathew Leckie took centre stage to seal the fate of the Czechs.
A surging run from Aaron Mooy had the defence back-pedalling.
The Huddersfield midfielder put a through ball through to Leckie on the right who cleverly cut back onto his left boot and beat the keeper with a shot to his near post.
Free-flowing, counter attacking football from the Socceroos.
80TH MINUTE: DEGENEK CROSS LEADS TO OWN-GOAL
In a game where fans were expecting many substitutes, it was indeed a substitute who iced the cake in Austria.
Replacing Josh Risdon at right back, Milos Degenek went on a surging run down the right hand side, being released by a ball from another substitute Jackson Irvine.
Degenek fired a ball into the box which took a massive deflection and somehow nestled into the back of the net.
84TH MINUTE: DANIEL ARZANI MAKES HIS DEBUT
Perhaps one of the most significant moments of the game was the introduction of 19-year-old Daniel Arzani.
The Melbourne City star was bought on to make his Socceroos debut.
The substitute proving that the youngster is firmly within the gaze of Bert van Marwijk and certainly in the World Cup picture frame.
Is a fairy tale World Cup appearance from Arzani on the cards? It certainly could be.
