The crowd turns up in Moscow

Disappointingly for those who had travelled thousands of kilometres, the atmosphere at Australia’s first two games of the tournament was dull at best.

In both Sochi and Saint Petersburg, the stadiums were half empty and the reported attendances looked to have benefited from creative calculations.

That changed in Moscow. For a start, the Spartak Stadium is more suited to smaller fixtures – think AAMI Park rather than Etihad Stadium.

The Socceroos warm up at Spartak Stadium

A reported 33,639 fans packed into the recently-built 45,360 seater arena, located not far from the centre of Moscow.

The Chilean supporters, who have flocked in Russia in large numbers, were in fine voice all evening.

And local Russians, who have appeared disinterested at recent games, thoroughly enjoyed the attacking encounter.

Australia can beat Japan and qualify for Russia 2018

After Australia’s showing against Germany and Cameroon, real doubt started to surface among fans and journalists about whether the current Socceroos were good enough to seal automatic qualification for the 2018 World Cup.

Australia sit third in their qualifying group. To finish in the top two, the team will likely need to at least draw with Japan away and then beat Thailand in Melbourne.

Postecoglou remains confident of World Cup qualification

On the evidence from Sunday, Australia will have no trouble taking four points from the late August/early September games.

Postecoglou was defiant in his post-match press conference.

“I have said all along that we will qualify for the World Cup," he said.

PIC SPECIAL: Australia v Chile