After thumping Asian minnows Tajikistan 7-0 at Adelaide Oval on Thursday night, the Socceroos now only need one point in their next game against Jordan in Sydney to progress to the next stage of qualification in Asia.
The Australians disposed of the central Asian team with a comfortably in front of over 35000 people.
Right-back Ryan McGowan found himself constantly forward such was the domination, claiming an assist in the dying minutes after his ball found Nathan Burns.
Yet with a weight of pressure lifted after the comprehensive victory, McGowan says the Aussies are not going to relax in Sydney on Tuesday, needing only a point to secure progression.
“I’d like to hear you ask the boss that, there’s definitely no chance of us approaching it for a point. He’s said it numerous times, we don’t worry about who we’re playing, and it’s about how we do,” McGowan said.
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“We’ve got a much bigger vision than just Tajikistan and Jordan, we need to make sure every game we perform well and take that on in two to three years’ time.
“We want to look back on these games as not who we played against, but the style we were playing.”
On the performance against the Tajiks itself, the Socceroos were dangerous from start to finish with Tajikistan struggling to get the ball out of their own half.
The scoreline could have read more than seven goals in the end, a clear indication of how dominant the home side was. The Socceroos struck the woodwork no less than three times, but that took little away from the 90 minute effort, according to McGowan.
“Everyone was having shots, with a little bit more composure and a few better finishes, it could have been 12 goals,” he said.
“The boss wasn’t happy with our finishing at half-time and I think the boys took what he said into the game and finished it off well.
“I think we’re confident going into most games, like the boss said we were more focused on how we were going to play, what we were going to do.
“It always helps getting the early goal but think the boys did exactly what the boys wanted and we played some really good football last night.”
Adelaide born McGowan was delighted to have represented his country in his hometown, and the 26-year-old feels the Socceroos should play more games in South Australia, even if Thursday’s pitch did not appear up to scratch.
“I come from Adelaide so the surface was beautiful,” McGowan joked.
“There was a few areas which weren’t the same as different parts of the pitch, we’ve played on a lot worse pitches and places, none of the boys were complaining about it.
“I was delighted all my friends, family and people who have helped me throughout my career were able to watch me for the Socceroos so it was a very proud moment for me.
“Over 35000 people on a Thursday night was definitely nothing to be ashamed of. All the boys, since we’ve been here have been really impressed with the fan days.
“A lot turned out, walking streets, great hotel, beautiful pitch in a beautiful stadium, so a little bit being an Adelaide boy, but I’d like to see us come back here.”
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