Socceroos pass the first test

 

A stunning Josip Skoko goal gave the Socceroos a confidence boost on the eve of their World Cup departure with a deserved 1-0 friendly victory over Greece at the MCG tonight.

Midfielder Skoko unleashed a left-foot volley from the edge of the penalty box in the 15th minute to seal the win as the home side bossed the European champion throughout.

Greece managed just one serious attempt on goal for the entire game, as a confident Socceroos side thrilled a record 95,000-plus crowd with fluid, attacking football - especially in an outstanding first half.

Fatigue, self-preservation and several substitutions helped created a less disciplined second half performance from the Socceroos as they prepare for only their second appearance at a World Cup finals next month.

Skoko starred for the Socceroos before being substituted after an hour.

The Wigan midfielder's goal provided the match's highlight as he netted a stunner from a well-worked Marco Bresciano corner.

The Socceroos should have had a penalty late in the half when referee Mike Riley was the only person in the stadium to miss a blatant shirt tug by Greek centre-back Sotirios Kyrgiagos on Australian skipper Mark Viduka.

Greece lifted its game in the second half, after making four substitutions, including bringing on regular skipper Theo Zagorakis.

But it still couldn't penetrate Australia's defence, even after the Socceroos made four substitutions of their own during the period.

Coach Guus Hiddink sprung a selection surprise prior to kick-off, dropping goalkeeper Mark Schwarzer - the hero of the two Uruguay playoff wins - to the bench for AC Milan `keeper Zeljko Kalac.

Kalac had little to do, forced into action only twice in the match.

Tonight's win was the first of Australia's three lead-up matches prior to its World Cup opener against Japan on June 12.

The Socceroos also play Holland in Rotterdam on June 4 and Liechtenstein in Ulm, Germany, on June 7.