A packed out Craven Cottage laid host to the Socceroos’ match against Colombia, with the atmosphere a reminder of the excitement to come from the World Cup.

An evenly contested affair played out in the first half as the Socceroos sought to amend for their dire display against Norway last week. Both teams were consigned to rare chances. The concluding period of the second half saw the Socceroos sit back and hold on, riding their luck as Colombian striker Miguel Borja saw his efforts just miss hitting the back of the net.

Danny Vukovic, on his Socceroos debut proved the hero, saving a penalty against Borja in the dying minutes.

Australia’s purposeful play was evident from their incisive passing around and through the Colombian players, displaying the urgency and confidence to truly bring the game to a strong Colombia side.

The Socceroos played in a style reminiscent of arguably their greatest performance under Ange Postecoglou, the 1-1 draw with Chile in the Confederations Cup last year, which bodes well for the World Cup.

The central-defensive pairing of Mark Milligan and Milos Degenek was maligned against Norway, yet the two were impressive in their movement to intercept Colombia through the middle in the first half.

Despite their good work, the Australians are no doubt still a work in progress.

Socceroos Player Ratings

Brad Jones 6 —

Despite not clearing an early chance that he was lucky to see sent wide by Fernando Uribe (which would have possibly displaced the Socceroos’ eventual good work), Jones did not put a foot wrong. Collected Colombia's crosses in the six yard box

Joshua Risdon 7 —

No nonsense throughout, closing the Colombian efforts down his side. In attack, Risdon returned the favours of Leckie in defence by providing energetic movement and desire to push forward.

Mark Milligan 7.5 —

If Milligan’s performance against Norway was him at his worst, against Colombia, Milligan was at his best. A composed display, although lacked the speed at times to contend with the Colombian attack.

Milos Degenek 6.5 —

Akin to Milligan, Degenek passed without trepidation and was proactive in challenging for the ball. The introduction of the fired up Borja proved to be a significant battle for him and had the Palmeiras striker put away his chances, Degenek would have been beaten.

Aziz Behich 7 —

Barely had a touch on the ball until the 10th minute and from then on was constantly involved down his flank. Stood up well against James Rodriguez and the Colombian attack.