Germany scalp provides a huge boost

SO THIS was just a friendly. Against a sub-strength German side. No one cares about these games. It doesn't mean a thing. Really?
Don't believe the anti-hype. This result matters for a whole host of reasons. To down Germany at home is a hugely significant result for Australian soccer, and one that will be noted way beyond Monchengladbach.
Defeating Germany in their own backyard puts yesterday's game straight into the Socceroos' own hall of fame. There were games where the result mattered more for literal reasons - reaching the 2006 World Cup, starting that tournament with a spectacular win or qualifying for the 1974 World Cup were all pivotal moments.
But just as the 3-1 win over England in 2003 served notice that Australia had a team laden with potential, the defeat of Germany re-establishes Brand Socceroo in the eyes of soccer observers delighted by the exploits in 2006 under Guus Hiddink - home and abroad. Australia became the neutral's favourite then, as the team that dared.

Four years later it was more the team that died, getting away lightly with a 4-0 thrashing first up from these very same opponents.
What stuck in the craw was the limp exercise in damage limitation that our opening game of last year's World Cup became from the off.
But no one doubts the architect of yesterday's win. Holger Osieck showed he can make slight but telling adjustments at halftime, to tactics and his team's psyche.
So why was it so important? First, it lays the ghosts of losing 4-0 in Durban to rest. It's only a modicum of compensation for that day of horror, but pride is restored. Second, it shows the Socceroos remain capable of punching above their weight.
This, after all, was a German team with a combined
caps total around 350.
In the first half there was much of the pace, movement and technique we so admire in Die Mannschaft, yet Australia responded with a tireless and fruitful second half of their own.
The result will also reinforce the belief the Australian players have in their manager, a figure who bemused them at first but is growing into the role rapidly.
The success of Osieck's selections - the promotion of Jedinak and McKay, the pairing of Kewell and Cahill (though the latter was absent injured in Germany) - adds further to the gravitas.
Coming on the back of a glorious grand final, it is a wonderful shot in the arm for the game here.
After the Asian Cup and this, you sense tickets for June's two friendlies will now be in hotter demand - as might be the team itself when officials seek opponents down the line.
Depending on the draw for the World Cup qualifiers (to be made in July) there is the chance of a friendly on October 7 - the credibility of the Australians in the eyes of prospective opponents suddenly rises.
Yes it was only a friendly yesterday, yes it was only one game, yes there was an element of opportunism. But the display, in the second half at least, encapsulates progress since last August.
Sometimes you only appreciate how far you've come by stepping back and taking in the view.


nini/dailytelegraph