The Socceroos’ preparations for Russia have been given a boost with an impressive 4-0 victory over the Czech Republic in Vienna today.
It was Australia’s first win under new boss Bert van Marwijk, after a loss to Norway and a draw to Colombia in March, their first victory since their second leg battering of Honduras back in November and their first win on foreign soil in over 600 days. And it was a result that will have van Marwijk smiling, with forward Andrew Nabbout and defender Milos Degenenk both grabbing their first goals in international football, as well as a brace to winger Matthew Leckie.
With Trent Sainsbury captaining Australia for the first time, Leckie put the green and gold ahead in the first half. Early in the second half Nabbout finished coolly, then Leckie grabbed his second and Degenek banged one in to boost the green and gold’s confidence ahead of their World Cup opener against France.
van Marwijk went with a 4-3-3 formation against the Czechs and rested his skipper Mile Jedinak. Midfielder Mark Milligan was moved into defence and paired with Sainsbury, with Josh Ridson on the right and Aziz Behich on the left. Aaron Mooy and Massimo Luongo lined up as the two central midfielders, with Tom Rogic as the number 10.
Robbie Kruse started on the left wing and Leckie on the right, with Nabbout getting his chance up front as the sole striker. With Tommy Juric, Tim Cahill and the recently recalled Jamie Maclaren on the bench, this was Nabbout’s opportunity to prove his worth in only his third senior cap.
It was the Czechs who started the game better, Mat Ryan blocking Jan Kopic’s shot in the 14th minute and then Antonin Barak blazing over from close range seven minutes later. But the Aussies settled down and then Leckie broke the deadlock on 32 minutes. A deep cross from Risdon was squared back across goal smartly by Kruse for Leckie to tap into an empty net. The Socceroos kept pouring forward with Rogic and Mooy combining well in midfield.
In the second half Nabbout got his maiden goal for his country after he was released up front. The J-League-based forward turned his marker well and then fired home, beating Tomas Koubek in goal with style. On 60 minutes van Marwijk turned to his bench and replaced Nabbout with Maclaren. Five minutes later Jackson Irvine came on for Rogic. By now Australia was in complete control and swift counter-attacks were catching the Czech Republic, who failed to qualify for the 2018 World Cup, unawares.
A speedy counter in the 72nd minute saw Leckie grab his second of the game. Mooy found him isolated on the edge of the box and he made space to shoot past Koubek. At 3-0 the Socceroos made two more changes, with Dimi Petratos replacing Kurse and Milos Degenek coming on for Risdon.
Degenek scored next in almost farcical fashion, with the defender shooting from way out on the left and Koubek poorly failing to keep it out. It was a bad mistake from the Czech shot-stopper.
With seven minutes later van Marwik made his fifth change and Daniel Arzani replaced Leckie. It was the Melbourne City youngster’s international debut for Australia, but he had little time to show the manager much.
With the World Cup just 15 days off Australia will be pleased with how this match played out. Four goals from open play and little for their defence to mop up. The Socceroos take on Hungary in Budapest on June 9 in their final hit out before the tournament begins.
