Australia’s U23 side last night cruised to victory over Lebanon’s U23s in a crucial qualifier for next year’s Beijing Olympics. Nick Ward, Mark Bridge and David Williams scored one each for Australia while keeper Vukovic was rarely troubled by Lebanon’s attack.

While the Olyroos managed goals on both sides of the break, two of the match heroes expressed disappointment they didn’t win by an even greater margin.

“When you analyse it I think we could have scored a few more goals,” said Vukovic. “We were relaxed a bit towards the end of the first half and most of the second half but it’s three points and we’re looking good.

“As a keeper I guess you love those games and any clean sheet is great. But you still have to concentrate the whole game because the ball can come up at any time.”

Nick Ward, who is currently playing for Queens Park Rangers in England, opened scoring with a spectacular volleyed-finish from a Nikolai Topor-Stanley cross.

“I think the first half was very, very good because we stuck to the way Graham Arnold wanted us to play and it worked perfectly,” said Ward.

“We were a bit unlucky not to score more goals in the first half. We wanted to come out in the second half and produce something special but it didn’t work out. It was shocking. The second half wasn’t very good at all.”

Played at Gosford’s Bluetongue Stadium, the occasion was especially significant for Vukovic who got to play in front of Mariners fans and his family.

“It was awesome. I love playing here, but also because my family got to watch me for just the second time playing for my country. I’ve played a few times for Australia now but they haven’t really had a chance to see me,” he said.

A number of A-League stars were also in attendance. Along with a huge contingent of Mariners players, Iain Fyfe and Terry McFlynn from Sydney FC and Jade North from Newcastle made the trip.