Postecoglou off to winning start as Socceroos beat Costa Rica

For all the talk of a fresh approach under the new coach, Ange Postecoglou, it was a tried and trusted method that proved the difference as Tim Cahills headed goal gave Australia victory over Costa Rica.

It was always going to be a night of milestones, but almost predictably it was Cahill who drew upon his talismanic qualities to be the hero of the night and equal Australia’s goal-scoring record.

It was important that Australia restored confidence after shipping 12 goals in the final days of the Holger Osieck era, but equally focus was always going to be about the performance as well as the result.

One of the less subtle shifts was the pre-match national Authentic Prada Milano Handbags anthem. Pride in the Socceroo shirt and instilling esprit de corps have been part of Postecoglous mantra since day one. Arm in arm the Aussies, unusually, sung with gusto and in unison.

The Australia starting line-up undoubtedly gave a sign of what Socceroo fans can expect. The Authentic Prada Clutch omission of Tim Cahill a clear sign, if any were needed, that reputations will count for little under Postecoglou.

Surely too, Australia have never fielded a faster attacking triumvirate than Robbie Black Prada Bag With Gold Kruse, Mathew Leckie Agatha Ruiz Prada Online Shop and Dario Vidosic.

Mark Milligan, Mile Jedinak and Mark Bresciano comprised a balanced midfield, while Jason Davidson and, on occasions, Ivan Franjic C a major beneficiary of Postecoglous influence at Brisbane Roar C combined to fill the problematic left-back position.

For all the positive energy in recent weeks it could have been a disastrous opening with Franjic helping Davidson avoid an unwanted accident-prone reputation. Davidson, the son of 1980s Socceroo defender Allan, deflected a ball under pressure over his own goalkeeper but Franjics goalline clearance avoided a repeat of his debut own goal against Scotland last year.

Postecoglou singled out his two full-backs for special praise post-match describing both Franjic and Davidson Are All Prada Handbags Leather as immense. Of Davidson he said: for a country that has been crying out for a left-back he has definitely shown great promise and he will get better.