The first match always has a significant unknown factor.
Australia knew only what Kuwait showed in the recent Gulf Cup and leadup matches, which gave an overall picture, but the Kuwaiti coach then left out key players as the approach to a tournament of this scale is always uncertain.
This makes the first match problematic in a way that subsequent games are not.
With this hurdle behind, Ange Postecoglou and his staff can now assess and analyse forthcoming opponents, formulate a plan and approach games with more certainty.
This is a key factor in the recent development of Australian coaching, as well as fan culture, and is a really vital competency in tournament play.
The fluency in attack in the second half was important in several ways. The spectre of Timmy Cahill reliance was broken, freeing other attackers to take responsibility instead of constantly searching for Tim.
James Troisi will take confidence from his goal and, after a disappointing FIFA World Cup for a player of his high quality, will be needed to contribute in front of goal in big matches.
Four goals is important for the public, which will take excitement from the result and chances created.
This will feed the feelgood factor around the tournament and coming matches.
Mile Jedinak and Postecoglou talked about embracing the home support and this result makes that much easier.
Massimo Luongo emerged with a supreme performance.
Sometimes it takes the young player to seize big moments, free of limitations, something Harry Kewell was always very good at. Postecoglou’s support and selection of Luongo was thoroughly vindicated and he will remind Massimo that level of performance is expected in every game.
Tomi Juric and Nathan Burns seeing game time was valuable.
The first two matches are a significant level below the remainder and it is important to prepare as many players as possible for the third group match and beyond. The Kuwait match was perfect in this regard, allowing important players to be included when in front and comfortable in the match.
Maty Ryan made two saves of great quality and a tournament cannot be won without a keeper in fantastic form. These saves will become more important as scores become tighter in the Cup's latter stages.
The team’s knowledge that it can overcome a deficit, be patient and create chances against a packed defence is important. It is likely it will have to do so again and this will bring confidence in that moment.
It also gives the public confidence the team can overcome challenges and ensures support is strong in coming matches, even if the start is not ideal.
Mile Jedinak is a penalty taker of supreme class, as he demonstrated against Netherlands. This may be crucial later in the Cup.
Defending remains a problem.
Mistakes happen but, after several recent camps and numerous games over the past year, it was a surprise to see the disorganisation at a defensive corner and players remonstrating with each other. The coaching staff will be working extremely hard to rectify this area, which can be decisive in the knockout stage.
The first, slightly nervous step has been taken, now we look forward eagerly to seeing Oman, Korea Republic and other potential opponents play to better guage what the Socceroos will need to contend with.
