The lethal Palermo set piece expert was ready to start celebrating as he watched the drama unfold – but fortune was against him.

It was Australia’s best chance as they faced down the world number two and held them to a 1-0 defeat.

“I actually thought it was goal because I saw the net move. I think it was just a bit unlucky,” Bresciano said after the match.

“But I thought the boys did well and it was a good performance by Australia. We did okay against a team like Argentina.

“We created a couple of opportunities and it’s a pity we had to cop a goal at a set piece.”

Although facing a full-strength Argentina side, it was an experimental Socceroo side as the Australian squad copes with retirals, no-shows and injuries to key players like Harry Kewell and Tim Cahill.

It meant a return to the green and gold for ex-Sydney winger Dave Carney and rising stars like Carl Valeri, Brett Holman, Michael Beuachamp, Luke Wilkshire and Josh Kennedy.

But Bresh was impressed with the talent on show.

“All the young boys that come through have always done well and they just keep growing,” he said.

“More young boys come through because players keep retiring but I don’t think that’s going to be a problem because the standard is good.

“I think a couple of boys now have to step up because we are the senior players.”

He added: It’s always good to be part of the team regardless of whether we’re a senior or a young player.

“I think we have a great future ahead of us and we have to concentrate now on the qualifiers for the World Cup.”

The most impressive player on the park though was 20 year old Argentinean star, Leo Messi.

“He is unbelievable,” admitted Bresh. “He’s very quick on the ball and just knows exactly what he’s doing.”