An early goal to Lars Stindl led to a sustained period of German pressure and it seemed that the Socceroos were in for a torturous evening as they began their Confederations Cup campaign.

But Australia eventually bounced back, Tom Rogic finding the net with a beautiful strike from distance and Tomi Juric picking up the scraps of a free-kick.

While two German goals in between ensured that Die Mannschaft were never really troubled, there are positives for Socceroos boss Ange Postecoglou.

Here are five things we learned at the Fisht Stadium.

Australia v Germany pic special

Substitutes bring attacking threat

After an insipid attacking performance in the first-half, Postecoglou replaced Massimo Luongo with Robbie Kruse during the break and then swapped Rogic for James Troisi midway through the second stanza.

These changes had immediate effect, with Kruse and Troisi both creating headaches for German keeper Bernd Leno.

“As much as we had defensive problems, when we got the ball we were too static in our movement,” said Postecoglou of the attacking substitutions.

“Robbie makes decisive runs in behind and we thought we could cause them some problems.”

Robbie Kruse was a half-time substitute

Striker Juric was largely anonymous throughout the 90 minutes, aside from his second-half poacher’s goal, while Rogic showed moments of brilliance but lacked the opportunities to fully utilise his attacking prowess.

The Socceroos only managed one shot on goal in the first-half.

If Australia are to beat Cameroon later in the week, increased creativity going forward will be essential.

Australia v Germany pic special