The Jordan bogey has ended
Australia went to Amman knowing that defeat would not only make the fight to stay top of the group a good deal harder but that it would also strengthen Jordan's 'bogey team' tag.
Four losses in six meetings would have been a damning statistic.
Three wins from six sounds much better, especially as it should become four from seven in the home game next year.
The 2019 version of the team have done something that even storied Socceroos such as Tim Cahill, Lucas Neill and Mark Bresciano failed to do: beat Jordan in Jordan.
When the two teams inevitably meet in qualification for the 2026 World Cup, journalists like myself will have to come up with a new angle.
In-form strikers make the difference
Selecting strikers who are in form and are scoring goals seems like such an obvious and simple thing to do but does not happen as much as you would think.
Adam Taggart has been scoring consistently in South Korea, one of the most difficult places for strikers in the whole of Asia, and was given one chance early in the game and scored with a delightfully crisp finish.
Of course, the defence-splitting pass from Jackson Irvine deserves plenty of credit but ultimately, the chance becomes a goal because of the person who puts it in the back of the net.
It was the finish of a man full of confidence and form and it won the game for the visitors.
The big names seal the big result
It was fitting that, in the toughest game of the group, the big stars proved their worth once again. Mat Ryan had an excellent game in goal, showing his Premier League class especially in the second half.
In the middle, Aaron Mooy looked to be what he is: one of Asia’s top players. In difficult conditions he produced an excellent all-round performance and looked to have more time than anyone else on the pitch.
His build-up play was excellent and in the first half especially, the Brighton midfielder ran the game. Tom Rogic’s class also showed itself and on this kind of performance, if Celtic don’t want to give him a game then plenty of others will.
Jordan may rue selections
It was the perfect away game in that it not only provided three points but also a real test as Australia were pushed all the way. In the first half, the Socceroos just looked to be on a different level than the hosts but that changed after the break.
Jordan coach Vital Borkelmans introduced Musa Al-Taamari at the start of the second half and the winger, who caused Australia plenty of problems during the Asian Cup, enjoyed himself once again.
Had the MVP of the Cypriot league last season been on the pitch from the beginning, who knows what could have happened?
Certainly the Aussie defenders, who started to struggle after the break, must have been happy to see him on the bench. The same with the national team’s leading goalscorer Hamza Al-Dardour too. He entered the fray just after the hour.
In the end, Jordan could not take their chances. Not starting with more firepower on the pitch may be a cause for regret in Amman.
Australia home and dry
That’s it. Australia are five points clear at the halfway stage in the second round of qualification and a place in the next stage of qualification is already in the bag. That was always likely but the efficient way it has happened is commendable.
There are four games left and three of those are at home. The only away trip is to Nepal. The Socceroos are far more likely to end with a perfect eight wins from eight than to drop five points.
Graham Arnold has lots of time and opportunities to spend with his team. New players and new formations can be looked at during the upcoming international breaks and, if all goes well, Australia should be a well-oiled machine by the time the next round of qualification starts.
