Having scored eight goals in its opening two Asian Cup matches, Australia has rocketed to the top of Group A by a whopping five goal difference.

The group, featuring Korea Republic, Kuwait and Oman, has already been decided, after wins to both the Socceroos and Korea Republic in their opening two matches, seeing them progress to the qualifying final stage.

The Socceroos’ eight goals have come from eight different goal-scorers, and naturally champion Tim Cahill is one of those on the score sheet. But he has enjoyed a freer tournament, with the likes of James Troisi, Mile Jedinak, Massimo Luongo, Mark Milligan, Tomi Juric, Matt McKay and Robbie Kruse also registering goals.

For Greek Australian James Troisi, his goal in the team’s opening round match against Kuwait was his second in Socceroos colours.

Australia has transformed itself from seemingly ‘easy-beats’ (ranked 100 in the world on official FIFA rankings) to a team possessed in only two games – with the likes of China coach Alain Perrin saying a possible semi-final clash against the Socceroos isn’t ideal.

Importantly for the boys in green and gold, their second game against Oman on Tuesday was (only) the second time in over 12 months the team held a clean-sheet – the other game a nil-all draw against the United Arab Emirates in October.

And that result was without inspirational captain Mile Jedinak, who missed out after suffering an ankle injury in the game against Kuwait. The Socceroos emphatically defeated the Omanis 4-0, and in doing so dominated possession (holding the ball 70 per cent of the time), with 15 more shots and completing close to 400 more passes than their opponent. Oman is seven places above Australia on official FIFA rankings and has recently frustrated the Socceroos. Despite its healthy record against Oman, in their previous three matches the Socceroos have suffered a defeat and two draws.

When captain Mile Jedinak was ruled out with an ankle sprain alarm bells starting ringing, but his replacement Melbourne Victory captain Mark Milligan, along with Tim Cahill, who wore the captain’s arm-band, were nothing short of courageous.

After the clash, coach Ange Postecoglou told the media he was impressed by the balance in his side.

“The guys, as a unit, have really embraced what we’re doing and really understood that for us to have any sort of success in this tournament, it’s going to be a collective effort,” Postecoglou said.

“The most pleasing thing is just seeing the whole group really embrace what we’re doing and embrace this challenge.

“There hasn’t been a person who hasn’t been a contributor so far.”

Postecoglou has continued to ask for patience, whilst evolving his young troops, and his persistence is (without jumping the gun) coming to fruition.

But he may have further headaches to face tonight, with reports suggesting Jedinak still has question marks over his fitness ahead of the team’s final group-stage clash against South Korea in Brisbane.

Despite the side’s progression, tonight’s match will be anything but a dead rubber.

Both will be gunning for the three points to avoid crossing paths with Japan until at least the final (if all goes accordingly) – that’s if the Blue Samurai finishes atop its group, as expected.

And importantly, during the week, Socceroos forward Robbie Kruse said the team was focused on maintaining its form.

“We’re only two games in and we’re focused on that Korean game to try and top the group,” he told the media.

“Obviously Korea are one of the strongest nations in Asia so it’s going to be extremely tough.”

Since 2009 both teams have shared the spoils, with a win apiece and two draws. Their last outing, in Seoul 18 months ago, ended in a nil-all draw. On precedent, Australia would be happy with the status-quo, requiring only a draw to see it top the table.

And Postecoglou has warned he won’t be complacent.

“We have got another big game on Saturday and it’s a game we want to play well and win and improve,” Postecoglou said during the week.
“And I will make changes again.

“I have made changes, not because I want to rest people or give people a chance (with players pushing for opportunities).”

Australia’s home crowd advantage may prove the difference tonight.

Group A match three:
Australia v South Korea
Brisbane Stadium, Brisbane
Kick-off: 8.00 pm AEDT