Caltex Socceroo defender Bailey Wright said Greece gave Australia due respect by doing their homework on the Aussies which helped them to a win over Ange Postecoglou’s men.
A sharper Greece won 2-1 at Etihad Stadium in the second and final clash in the Dodoni Series.
After winning the first clash in Sydney, a flat Australian side struggled to back up that eye-catching performance in Melbourne.
Caltex Socceroos lose to classy Greece in Melbourne
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“Definitely, they’d done their homework on us from the first game and were probably a bit hurt from the loss – a game in which we outplayed them as well,” the Preston North End defender told reporters after the game.
“So they gave us the respect that we deserve and they’ve done their research and for them it’s worked for them.
"And we lacked that little bit of energy and ruthlessness and fluency that we had."
“That’s football. There's going to be bumps along the way. It's how you bounce back.
"You’ve got to forever be working on things and adapting and getting better as a team and we’ll learn from it.”
Wright, 23, went into the game after having a minor strain over the last week.
And after a tough season in the relentless English Championship with Preston, the tough as teak defender will no doubt relish a break from the routine.
“It was fine tonight,” he said of his strain.
"A bit tired but I think every season will be like that from now onwards – you have to be prepared for it and get used to it.”