The Socceroos succumbed to Croatia in a 1-0 loss in their final World Cup warm-up match against Croatia in Salvador, Brazil on Saturday morning.
Nikica Jelevic’s 57th-minute strike proved the difference between the two teams, but Australia still provided an encouraging performance against quality opposition.
The Hull City striker broke the deadlock after he benefited from a deflected ball and slotted home unmarked in the penalty area.
Ange Postecoglou’s new regime looked to have shored up Australia’s defence, with Alex Wilkinson and Mathew Spiranovic partnering superbly at centre-back, while the midfield kept possession well throughout the clash.
Australia now prepares for its opening World Cup Group B clash with Chile, which takes place on Saturday at 8:00am (AEST) in Cuiaba.
The match also proved to be a chance for Mark Bresciano to get minutes under his belt, as he came on in the 66th minute and immediately linked up with his fellow midfielders to promising effect.
The Socceroos, chasing their first win in 14 attempts in South America, had their best period of the game early on with Tim Cahill putting himself about.
Skipper Mile Jedinak put in 74 minutes in his first run since picking up a groin injury playing for Crystal Palace in the final day of the English Premier League season.
But 62nd-ranked Australia – the lowest ranked team at the World Cup – tailed off in the second half and rarely threatened as Croatia began to take charge and got itself into a passing rhythm.
“I thought it was a good test, shame not to score a goal, but we’ll take a lot of positives from it for sure,” Jedinak said.
“I’m glad I got the 75-odd minutes under my belt. Now I’ll push forward, get myself right in training this week and be ready for that big one against Chile.”
Source: ABC/AFP
