The Socceroos have hit back and made up for their draw last week to bring home a massive 4-0 win against Jordan.
To a huge home crowd in Melbourne’s Etihad Stadium, the Australian national team was cohesive and deadly quick to keep the goals coming in.
It was forward’s Robbie Kruse’s night, with the youngster assisting two goals and scoring one himself. Captain Lucas Neil scored his first-ever international goal for the Socceroos and Mark Bresciano booted in the first goal of the night. Superstar Tim Cahill scored the second decisive goal in the 60th minute to keep the momentum going.
Jordan struggled through the get go, with the team losing all motivation and made simple mistakes. It baffled the Aussie crowd to see the Jordanian goalkeeper replaced after (not before) four goals went past him.
The convincing win puts Australia back into second place in Group B, but not for long if they don’t win their next game.
Australia still needs to beat Iraq next week to be sure of automatic qualification for next year’s showpiece in Brazil.
Oman, who play Jordan in Amman next week, are the biggest threat as they sit just one point behind Australia in Group B standings.
Socceroos coach Holger Osieck expressed his relief at the healthy scoreline, saying it will give his side confidence against Iraq next week.
“Our team showed great unity and the score was definitely what we needed,” said Osieck.
“It was a good margin and a good clean sheet, compared to some of the other results which were pretty narrow.
Now all focus will be on next Tuesday’s match against Iraq in Sydney, when a 4-0 win won’t be so easy.
Coach Osieck was adamant that the team not take too much from their amazing win and start preparations early.
The Socceroos take on Iraq live at ANZ Stadium on 18 June.
