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.

Mile Jedinak 6 —

Combative from the offset and was clearly carrying the weight of disappointment in the team from the Norway result, seeking to effectively shield the defence and provide an avenue to move forward with his intensity.

Massimo Luongo 8.5 —

Arguably the Socceroos’ best on the day and sought to bring his teammates in to the fray to create opportunities. Dynamic in weaving through the Colombian midfield and displayed his prowess in the box as he glided through the Colombian defence on one occasion, seeing his shot go right at David Ospina.

Took set piece duty on the day due to the absence of Aaron Mooy and sent some delightful floated efforts in to the Colombian box.

Andrew Nabbout 6 —                

Deservedly thrown back in to the lineup in a preferred winger role after finding a lack of success up front against Norway.

Although, it is fair to say that Nabbout was kept quiet in the first half despite a few positive link up plays. Started the second half aggressively with a shot sent wide of Ospina’s goal. Some poor touches at times.

Mathew Leckie 6.5 —

Tracked back constantly and was confident in taking on Mojica. Put in a great shift offensively and defensively.

Tom Rogic 7 —

Breezed past the Colombian players in his typically effortless fashion, yet found a lack of space at times in and around him to create opportunities.

Tomi Juric 6 —

Linked up tenaciously with the likes of Rogic and Nabbout, but struggled to breach the Colombian defence due to the persistent defending of Milan defender Christian Zapata. Sent a tight chance just wide towards the closing minutes of the first half.

Substitutes 

Danny Vukovic 8 —

The birthday boy made his first Socceroos debut at 33 years old, a significant milestone considering how long it has taken to achieve it. A fantastic save from a James Rodriguez header and did exceptionally well in facing a penalty he was forced to give away by a wayward Degenek pass.

A night to remember for not only Vukovic, but van Marwijk, who is still considering his number one choice for the World Cup.

Tim Cahill 6 —

Brought on with half an hour to go to cause problems for Colombia and to provide a goal, but found chances hard to come by.

Robbie Kruse 6 —

Showed positive movement forward and was assistive in remaining compact towards the conclusion of the match.

James Troisi N/A —

Not given enough time to do much.

Nikita Rukavytsya N/A —

Not given a real chance to change the match.

Jackson Irvine N/A —

Brought on to solidify the midfield.