Job done – the Socceroos top group B in this stage of qualifying and are still on course to go to Russia in 2018.
It was an impressive 5-1 victory with Tim Cahill scoring a first half brace either side of Aaron Mooy’s one on one finish. It was a scrappy start to the game as Jordan looked to impose themselves on the team before the Socceroos took over.
That late goal will certainly sting the pride of the defenders despite the impressive finish. Truthfully in a game such as this it is hard to find three bottom performers and the team will be graded on a curve so here are the bottom three performers.
Which of the players can see room for improvement?
Mathew Leckie
In the 17th minute, Leckie scuffed a volley and the look on his face summed up his current state of mind. With his goal drought being extended by another game, Leckie had the appearance of a man not really enjoying his football. It was evident how desperately he wanted to score in what was supposed to be a close, competitive game but it was not to be as his touch and focus let him down. His storyline for the night was not helped by his forward partners Tim Cahill and Robbie Kruse, the former scoring a brace and the latter tallying three assists respectively. A favourite of Postecoglou’s, he will be hoping to regain his form as soon as possible with plenty of competition for his wing spot on offer.
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Bailey Wright
This is more based on first half Bailey Wright than second half Bailey Wright. He took a while to get into the game but looked much more comfortable after the intermission. After being given a torrid time in Amman it was reassuring to see him regain his composure against a very good striker in Hamza Al-Dardour. In the next stage he will have to fend off one of Matthew Spiranovic and Trent Sainsbury to keep his spot despite the coaching staff’s clear affinity for what he can do.
Mat Ryan
In the bottom three for this game simply because he had next to nothing to do. There was one moment where he was forced to sweep 35 yards out from goal but for 180 minutes, the Socceroos were so dominant he did not have to make a single save. The first shot on target was the 90th-minute goal by Deeb to blot his copybook. In the next phase of qualifying he will have much more to do as the big boys of Asia come to play.
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