The Socceroos have begun their World Cup qualification campaign in perfect fashion with a 2-0 victory against Iraq at nib Stadium.
Ange Postecoglou’s side was frustrated for almost the entire half, aside from a looping Mathew Leckie which crashed against the woodwork.
After the interval the Socceroos began to play with more verve and purpose, with Aaron Mooy’s rasping goal-bound strike denied by the woodwork.
Tomi Juric spurned a glorious chance to open the scoring after Mathew Leckie’s cross presented the striker with a point-blank range finish, but he somehow managed to steer it wide of the upright.
However, just minutes later the centre-forward redeemed himself when his curling low cross was met by Massimo Luongo for a simple far post tap-in before the hour mark.
On 65 minutes the hosts doubled their advantage when Juric latched onto a deflected Mooy corner to finish from close range.
Here are some of the best reactions on Twitter:
A lot of doubters questioning #Socceroos because of lack of 1st team or top flight experience tho as a team, world class of late. #AUSvIRQ
— Jono P (@Jono5785) September 1, 2016
Next training session should be 90 mins of crossing #AUSvIRQ
— Lachlan Phillips (@lachie87) September 1, 2016
Understatement to say that brad smiths judgement tonight has gone array ..touch, passing, tackling, the lot #AUSvIRQ
— Four Diegos (@fourdiegos) September 1, 2016
Imagine if we had a player who could whip in a corner without hitting the first defender #AUSvIRQ
— Lachlan Phillips (@lachie87) September 1, 2016
Rogic is actually getting through 90 mins for the socceroos when was the last time that happened #AUSvIRQ
— Tom Hockman (@Tom_Hockman) September 1, 2016
Almost 20,000 in the stadium, decent chunk of Iraqis as well, good pitch, keeper chants aside good showing by Perth #AUSvIRQ
— The Football Sack (@TheFootballSack) September 1, 2016
#AUSvIRQ witnessing the birth of the new Australian midfield – and I’m impressed! New generation Socceroos a powerhouse. Onya Ange!
— Shaun Drabsch (@ShaunyD123) September 1, 2016
Rogic is so silky with the ball at his feet #AUSvIRQ
— Ryan Adamson (@AdamRyanson) September 1, 2016
Did anyone get a good screencap of Gombau in Socceroos gear? I need a new wallpaper for my phone #AUSvIRQ
— Vince Rugari (@VinceRugari) September 1, 2016
The @Socceroos need to tighten up the poor passes, turnovers, and missed tackles or UAE and Japan will slaughter us #GoSocceroos #AUSvIRQ
— Dan (@Dan_M75) September 1, 2016
Ever since that Injury, Robbie Kruse hasn’t been the same. He’s just rubbish now. #Socceroos #AUSvIRQ @Socceroos
— Christian Oar (@Chris_0rellana) September 1, 2016
Mathew Leckie “works very hard”.
Is that code for he’s a shit striker?
— Kire (@kgeorgievski) September 1, 2016
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