Arnold was elated to have the team together in Hong Kong for most of last week before a short coach trip into south China. Four sessions together was a rare bonus for the rapidly improving Arnold and his squad. Like Germany 06, the squad prepared away from the spotlight of the match day city at a base a short trip away. And it showed.

This groundwork all in sharp contrast to the minimal prep in London for the Socceroos’ last friendly. A similar scenario unfolded last September in the oven of Kuwait City. Both were disasters.

Arnold’s stated intention to have a similar thorough preparation to Guus Hiddink’s meticulous build up to last year’s World Cup bodes well for the upcoming Asian Cup in July (even if many players will need to structure much-needed rest periods at their clubs during the early part of the new European season).

Second, Carl Valeri’s tough football education in Italy is paying off. He may be out of sight in Serie C1 with Grosseto but Italia is one country that knows how to develop the defensive side of a player’s game.

Inter Milan – the club who loaned him out to the C1 pacesetters - would’ve noted his assured screener’s performance. At 22, Valeri is ideally placed to battle Stuart Musialik for the role once Grella's age becomes a liability.

In the meantime, Valeri should be blooded whenever possible as Grella’s understudy (thus keeping the Parma man fresher over the next two seasons). Holman too should be kept on the back-burner, particularly if Viduka stays on long-term.

Third, the two Marks – Viduka and Bresciano - may well be our go-to men at Asian Cup 07. With Kewell’s injury worryingly keeping him now until April at the earliest, Bresciano, looked the player he was in 2005 while Viduka was, well, regal. If other Asian sides afford him the same respect as the ordinary Chinese did, he’ll be unstoppable.

After the match Arnold said he would do everything in his power to persuade “The Duke” not to abdicate his throne after the Asian Cup. Wise move. And tactically, we suit playing off a target man with such a presence.

As for the Chinese, this was almost their strongest line-up. Imagine if the Socceroos were at full-strength? If ever a team needed a top class European coach to instill some self-belief and basic tactical structure, it’s this lot.

An honest group of footballers, China played like the Socceroos 20 years ago. Chinese fans must be dreading their Asian Cup clash with Iran. For them, 2002 must seem a long time ago.

However, July is not far off for Australia, and the reality of the draw means Arnie’s Aussies could meet the Iranians in the semis. If the green and gold enjoy revenge on Ali Daei and co for 10 years ago, the Japanese or South Koreans should be waiting for them in the July 29 final at Jakarta’s Gelora Bung Karno stadium.

With good preparation, anything is possible for this Socceroos squad.