Jamie Maclaren finally broke his international duck and Awer Mabil ensured two first-half goals within the space of two minutes, before substitute Apostolos Giannou added a last-gasp third in Dubai last night to silence Australia’s mounting critics and steer their tournament defence back on track.
Sunday’s static 1-0 loss to Jordan had left little margin for error, and defeat at a packed Rashid Stadium would likely have meant an embarrassing group-stage exit and turned the blowtorch on Graham Arnold.
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But the new coach got the reaction he’d demanded via a markedly improved collective performance, underscored by the reawakening of Tom Rogic and bursting runs of Chris Ikonomidis.
If Rogic was anonymous against Jordan, his influence was heavily felt here, while Ikonomidis’ two-assist display on promotion will render it difficult for Robbie Kruse to crack back into the starting XI.
Australia used width wisely and captain Mark Milligan was the fulcrum, the source of a more direct approach that, while unlikely to strike fear into the hearts of trophy fancies like South Korea and Iran, will have them bristling with confidence ahead of their third and final group clash with Syria.
However Arnold will be forced into a defensive reshuffle after Trent Sainsbury copped a late yellow card – his second of the tournament – for time-wasting, meaning he’ll be suspended.
Jordan’s all but certain claim on Group B's top spot leaves Australia playing for second place, a retrospective blessing that will probably mean avoiding a quarter-final collision course with Japan.
But, as the overwhelming dominance of Palestine supporters in the 11,915 crowd suggested, their spirited opening draw with Syria had sparked hope of an upset against the clearly fallible reigning champions.
And the team, hailing from a vast diaspora, hassled Australia at every opportunity and boasted speed on the break.
But they ultimately lacked attacking incisiveness, which may well have been down to their counterparts’ early breakthrough.
Ikonomidis proved his starting credentials within three minutes, combining with Aziz Behich and teeing up perfectly for Maclaren, only for the Hibernian striker to air swing dreadfully in front of a beckoning goal.
He soon atoned in superb fashion, and with equally deft service from Rogic.
Out of nothing and following a spell of static possession, the Celtic man, his broken hand swaddled in bandages, cut inside a defender and let rip a venomous inswinging cross that Maclaren rose to meet and headed straight into the far corner for his first goal in 10 caps.
Eighteen minutes in and Australia were ahead. A minute later and they’d be further in the green.
The left flank again proved fruitful as Ikonomidis placed a pinpoint cross to the back post just in time for Mabil to run onto it and smash home.
Five minutes later Jackson Irvine, installed at the expense of Massimo Luongo, nearly made it three via a leaping header from a corner that ricocheted off a Palestinian defender on the goalline.
The Hull City midfielder soon fired another header over the bar, though his overall physicality and aerial threat was keenly felt.
So too was the aggressive nature of the contest, and Behich was caught in a push and shove with Jonathan Zorrilla, who went down but subsequently received a yellow card as Palestine coach Noureddine Ould Ali even involved himself in the altercation.
Palestine enjoyed limited forays, their most promising from starlet Mahmoud Wadi, who weaved his way into Australia’s area and then fired a header wide.
But Milligan, retained in the midfield, was deft in his angular passing, and where first-half space came down the left, the right flank providing openings after the break.
Rhyan Grant, making his competitive starting debut at right-back in place of the injured Josh Risdon, fired forward and whipped in cross after cross to no avail.
Then, Giannou came on for Maclaren with eight minutes to play. Off a short corner in the 90th, Ikonomidis chipped in a cross and the striker nodded home a free header.
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Updates
The perfect response from Australia after their disappointing loss to Jordan.
The 3-0 victory moves them up to second in their group, and gives them full control of their destiny ahead of their final clash with Syria.
A draw would be enough to advance.
First half goals to Maclaren and Mabil set the win up, before Giannou added the finishing touch with a late goal after coming off the bench.
Arnold's pre-game changes, bringing in Ikonomidis and Irvine, were backed up with quality performances.
Australia looked dangerous when using the width of the field and they looked like champions again, even though there were some wasted chances.
Syria awaits on Tuesday night/Wednesday morning (whatever your view is on a 12.30am kick-off!).
The perfect response from Australia after their disappointing loss to Jordan.
The 3-0 victory moves them up to second in their group, and gives them full control of their destiny ahead of their final clash with Syria.
A draw would be enough to advance.
First half goals to Maclaren and Mabil set the win up, before Giannou added the finishing touch with a late goal after coming off the bench.
Arnold's pre-game changes, bringing in Ikonomidis and Irvine, were backed up with quality performances.
Australia looked dangerous when using the width of the field and they looked like champions again, even though there were some wasted chances.
Syria awaits on Tuesday night/Wednesday morning (whatever your view is on a 12.30am kick-off!).
And that's that!
Giannou has been on the field for a handful of minutes, and he's on the scoresheet.
The cross comes in from Ikonomidis, again, and it's bang on the money for Giannou, who rises up unchallenged and nods home.
It looks like it will be a 3-0 win for Australia, and the horrors of Jordan are long forgotten.
And that's that!
Giannou has been on the field for a handful of minutes, and he's on the scoresheet.
The cross comes in from Ikonomidis, again, and it's bang on the money for Giannou, who rises up unchallenged and nods home.
It looks like it will be a 3-0 win for Australia, and the horrors of Jordan are long forgotten.
Ikonomidis has been a handful all game and he fires in another cross from close range, but he can't find a teammate.
It is deflected behind for a corner.
You want a shot at redemption? Here's your chance, Robbie.
The Socceroos' whipping boy will get a handful of minutes at the end here with Kruse called on to replace Mabil.
Mabil has been excellent on the right wing tonight, scoring his third goal for Australia in the first half.
But he's flagging in the heat and has also gone down with cramp.
Excellent chance for Giannou, who can't get a hold of a great cross from Mabil.
Giannou just halted his run and the cross floats in front of his face.
Sainsbury will not be available for Australia's final group game against Syria, having picked up a yellow card (his second of the tournament).
He's been done for timewasting and he is fuming.
It will force a defensive reshuffle for the final group game, and a few headaches for Graham Arnold.
A round of applause for Maclaren, who opened the scoring for Australia in the first half.
He makes way for Giannou as Australia look for more goals late in the piece.
Wadi has gone down with cramp again. He's done for the day. that's a shame for Palestine, as Wadi has been there most likely threat up front.
Khaled Salem joins the fray.
That's all 3 subs done and dusted for Palestine.
