One hurdle down, now bring on Jordan.
That was the message from Caltex Socceroo star Aaron Mooy after Thursday’s night’s demolition of Tajikistan in their FIFA 2018 World Cup qualifier in Adelaide.The Aussies made short work of the Tajiks as they cantered to a 7-0 win at Adelaide Oval to take a significant step towards progression to the next stage of qualifying.
A draw will be enough for the Socceroos against Jordan in Sydney to top the group. But Mooy is expecting a much tougher test against Harry Redknapp’s troops, who humbled Australia 2-0 in Amman in October.
“Jordan are obviously a little bit better side and that’s the next challenge for us,” Mooy told reporters afterwards.
“We’ll train this week for the game, build up and try and play our game and take it to them.
“It was good to get the early two goals [against Tajikistan],” the Melbourne City star added.
“Once you get the first you can see the whole team is a bit freer and a bit more confident.”
And the Socceroos were oozing confidence from the opening whistle in Adelaide, sweeping forward at will against the out-classed visitors.
It was 2-0 at the break before braces to substitute Tom Rogic and Nathan Burns - after a Mark Milligan penalty – completed a terrific night for the hosts.
The scoreline could have easily reached double figures if not for some wasteful finishing and the woodwork, which was struck four times.
“We played great for the for 90 minutes and created lots of chances,” Mooy said.
Mooy was at the centre of a lot of the Socceroos' eye-catching football, continuing his remarkable campaign for both club and country.
“The more you’re playing with your club team and playing well, the confidence comes naturally,” he said.
“It’s the same with the national team. If you’re playing and playing well the confidence builds.
“It’s a natural thing. That’s what you work for. And when you’re playing with good players, they can find you in tight spaces. It’s always good to playing in the national team.”
After a recovery session in Adelaide on Friday morning, the Socceroos will fly to Sydney to start preparations for their clash against Jordan next week at Allianz Stadium.