Jedinak: Kyrgyzstan's quality no surprise to Socceroos

Skipper Mile Jedinak denies the Socceroos weren’t caught by surprise by the quality of Kyrgyzstan as the Aussies made a perfect start to World Cup 2018 qualification with a valuable win.

The Socceroos took their chances when it mattered as they ground out a 2-1 win over their brave hosts on Wednesday morning (AEST) in Bishkek.

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Asked if the Asian Champions were shocked by what they encountered in Bishkek , Jedinak told Fox Sports: “I don’t think so. We knew we were going to be in for a game.

“The conditions are what they are, it was a great atmosphere. You have to give credit to the home fans, they came out in full voice and they got their team right up for it.

“We knew we were going to be in for a game and that’s exactly what we got.

“But it’s always good to start on the front foot and with a big three points.

“We’ve got a few months now for everyone to get themselves ready and we’re looking forward to the next ones coming up in September that’s for sure.”

There was little of the free-flowing football the Socceroos have made a habit of under coach Ange Postecoglou.

Their touch was a little off on the patchy surface and they seemed to lack the spark in the front third.

“It’s probably a bit of the pitch and a bit of us,” Jedinak said.

“But that’s the challenges we’re going to face. That’s the challenges we have to get used to.

“It was the same for both teams. But it was about coming away with a big three points to start the campaign.”

Mile Jedinak scores in the opening minute from a free-kick against Kyrgyzstan.

GALLERY: Socceroos see off enthusiastic Kyrgyzstan

It was that bobbly surface which aided Jedinak’s goal after just 62 seconds, his free-kick taking a wicked bounce in front of the keeper and flying into the roof of the net.

“I knew getting it on target I might stand a chance [to score],” he admitted.

“But I didn’t expect it to bobble that much…but I’ll take it.”

The Socceroos are next in action in September with back-to-back qualifiers.

They face Bangladesh in Perth on September 3 before travelling to Tajikistan a few days later.

Socceroos v Bangladesh match details