The Joeys are ready to take on the world’s best at the 2015 FIFA U-17 World Cup in Chile according to FFA Centre of Excellence Technical Director Peter de Roo.
Australia's U-17's came from behind to earn a 1-1 draw against fellow tournament qualifiers Costa Rica on Monday morning.
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FFA Centre of Excellence Technical Director Peter de Roo said the match was the perfect hit out for the Joeys.
“It was the perfect friendly you wanted before a World Cup,” de Roo said.
“It was aggressive, it was direct; it was against a typically Latin American side that will do well at the World Cup.”
The Joeys went behind early after conceding a goal following a turnover in defence, but fought back in the second half through a Jake Brimmer free-kick.
de Roo said the early goal was due to an inability to effectively put pressure on the Costa Ricans, who were playing with five defenders.
“We struggled when it came to pressing early on,” he said.
“But we were a lot more organised in the second half.
“If you take the learning moments from this game, we can only get better.”
In the second-half, a tactical shift gave Tony Vidmar’s side the chance to press the five defenders from the front and play a much higher line.
It almost paid immediate dividends with the Aussies looking far more threatening and aggressive in attack.
The breakthrough came via a Jake Brimmer free-kick, but the Joeys could count themselves unlucky not to get the win after missing a number of clear cut opportunities.
de Roo said there were plenty of key learnings to take out of the tricky encounter.
“I think it was a very positive game for us.
“You never know what you’re going to get out of a friendly, but this was perfect for us – there was nothing really friendly about it.
“It was a great test for us.”
Australia kicks off its FIFA U-17 World Cup Chile campaign against Germany on Monday, 19 October at 6.00am [AEDT], before taking on Mexico on Thursday, 22 October at 7.00am, and wrapping up its group games against Sunday, 25 October at 9.00am.
All three group games will be broadcasted live and in full high-definition on SBS ONE.