Straight From Skoko's Top Drawer

Previous Australian teams would have sat back and said "We've just beaten the European Champions" after accounting for Greece 1-0 in front of a record 95,103 crowd. Not on Guus Hiddink's watch. Hiddink was happy with 70% of the Socceroo's play but demanded "we are going to have to be tougher when we play Japan".

Man of the match Josip Skoko scored the match-winner with a superb left-footed half volley into the top right-hand corner, it was a peach of a goal. Australia played neat fluid football in the first half with Hiddink employing the new 4-2-3-1 formation. The unit was cohesive and there was a good understanding with each player knowing exactly what role they had to play. The second half petered out with a string of substitutions as Hiddink switched the team to a 4-4-2 formation. It was understandable as the Socceroos had undergone a lot of double training sessions in the previous 3 days. The Greeks looked like they were more interested in their trip after the game to Stalactites on Lonsdale Street for a kebab with the lot.

Miles Sterjovski who made a return to the side after a 12 month absence was prominent early. The winger was finding a lot of space but was let down with his touch and lacked the killer instinct when given the opportunity in front of goal.

Zeljko Kalac, a surprise selection in goal to some, was not given the opportunity to cement a starting spot as the Greeks failed to test him thoroughly. If anything Kalac looked shaky on the two occasions he was called into action.

As the Socceroos waved goodbye to Australia bound for Germany Hiddink stressed that there was still a lot improvement required before they would be ready for Japan on June 12.

"We need to put in the training and focus on improvement because games at World Cup level are decided on details," the Dutchman told reporters.

"We also have to get more physical strength because three games in such a short time will be difficult."

The Socceroos next play Holland in a friendly in Rotterdam on June 4 then their final hit out is against Liechtenstein in Ulm, Germany on June 7.