The Socceroos have claimed a much-needed 3-0 victory over Canada in their international friendly this morning at Craven Cottage, London.
The Socceroos have claimed a much-needed 3-0 victory over Canada in their international friendly this morning at Craven Cottage, London.
Goals from Josh Kennedy, Dario Vidosic and Mathew Leckie ensured that the Australians bounced back from the recent heavy defeats against Brazil and France.
"It was a very good result that is very pleasing," said caretaker coach Aurelio Vidmar.
"We just wanted a positive result and a positive performance and that is what we got.
"It was a performance that everyone was waiting for and one that is expected every time we go out onto the park. We asked for passion and that is what we got."
Kennedy opened the scoring within thirty seconds after the Aussies immediately pushed forward with a Mark Bresciano chip met strongly in the air by the Socceroos striker as he headed it past Canadian goalkeeper Milan Borjan.
Both teams had their chances throughout the first half and the Socceroos defence was tested at times with Mitch Langerak making a number of strong saves to ensure the Canadians seven match goal drought was maintained.
It was all Australia in the second half and when Rhys Williams pushed up the park and put his shot on target Vidosic flicked the ball on to put his side up 2-0 on 53 minutes.
Leckie came on just after the hour mark and put in a pinpoint cross from the left that saw Matt McKay's volley parried by Borjan before being cleared out of the box.
He then got his first international goal when he headed home a David Carney cross to put the result beyond doubt with a little over ten minutes remaining.
Oliver Bozanic and Jackson Irvine both made their Socceroos debut while Mat Ryan and Nikita Rukavysta also got their chance to impress all as second half substitutes.
"It is very pleasing and I am very proud," said Socceroos captain Lucas Neill.
"It has been a tough couple of games but the reaction today has been excellent, we've got together well and as always we lose together and we win together and today was about the team.
"I am very proud of the guys it was a great effort. We worked very hard for each other with a good game plan and a good formation and we created a number of chances.
"We deserved the win tonight and we will take a lot of confidence from that."