The Australia boss was bullish about his side’s approach in the lead-up to the game despite the conditions, and it paid off with a dominant display in which the Socceroos dominated with 59 per cent of possession.

“We said we were going to play our way and we did,” Postecoglou told Fox Sports.

“They just couldn’t keep up. We got the goal we deserved and probably could’ve had a few more.

“The boys were fantastic, from my perspective everything went well.”

Both sides were visibly fatigued throughout the game with substitute Tim Cahill making the decisive impact with his second touch on 75 minutes.

Postecoglou insisted his side’s control of possession and superior conditioning was crucial.

“We were tired but I think they were more tired,” Postecoglou said.

“They were chasing the ball. As I said to the players, it’s not about how you feel, it’s about how the opposition feel.

“We could see from the bench they were struggling a lot more than we were.

“It was only a matter of time. The kind of game we play, I said before the game, they’re going to sit back and that’s what they did.

“If they want to come at us, good luck to them but not many teams have.”

The Socceroos now have the perfect start to the final round of qualifying, ahead of October matches against Saudi Arabia (away) and Japan (home). Postecoglou promised more growth.

“I think my ambition is going to make a lot of people uncomfortable, maybe even in our own country,” he said.

“I’ve got pretty lofty goals and I think this group can take us there. We’re quite prepared to back ourselves home or away regardless of the conditions.

“The belief in the camp has never wavered. There’s more to come, there’s more growth in this team.”