australia

A potentially tough match against a team we've struggled to beat in the past and we were without Schwarzer, Cahill and Emerton (and Kewell if you care). And we nailed it. A superb performance and a great 3-0 win. Top of the group and virtually guaranteed of progressing to the next stage.

A warm up match for next week's qualifier against a weak opponent doesn't tell you a great deal. However, we looked very sharp and comfortably put them away, something we've struggled to do in the past.

All the talk in the lead up was about whether Kewell and Emerton would be selected or left with their clubs to give the A-League its dream match up. Hosieck cleverly left them out for both this match and the qualifier, thus retaining control and not devaluing selection for the Socceroos. It also gave some up-and-comers another chance to impress.

A difficult road trip was met with a much improved performance from the Socceroos. They triumphed comfortably 3-1. This is what we need to see. The poor performance of just a few days ago was taken on board and a much better effort (that was called for) was delivered. Good work.

Our first match in our qualifying campaign for Brazil 2014 had the desired result, but our standard of play was well below par.

Pleasingly, the coach and players admitted as much. I'm sure no-one was happy to fall behind to Thailand, but at least we were able to get the job done and win. Even if we left it a little late. We must do better in our next match, a tough away game.

An entertaining nil-all draw - an oxymoron is some sports perhaps - but a fair reflection of an enjoyable game.

A comfortable 3-0 win for Australia, but the result doesn't mean a lot. A weakened New Zealand, after a long flight following of a drubbing at the hands of Mexico in the USA on Thursday, were clearly not going to push us. More interesting was the chance given to several possible Socceroos of the future. Expect a different side and a much tougher match against Serbia on Tuesday.

Our first hit-out since our loss in the Asian Cup final. It may have been a friendly, but defeating World #3 Germany at home is still a great result.