Match Report
Graham Arnold’s reign as new Caltex Socceroos boss has got off to a dream start with Australia crushing Kuwait 4-0 on Tuesday morning (AEDT).
In a perfect beginning to Australian football’s new era, the Caltex Socceroos scored twice in each half to cap an encouraging and exciting performance in their first hit-out since the FIFA World Cup.
RE-CAP: Look back at all the goals and talking points from Australia's win over Kuwait
An own goal gave the Caltex Socceroos a deserved lead, before Apostolos Giannou, Tom Rogic and Awer Mabil – on his international debut - all got on the scoresheet.
Arnold went with a 4-3-3 formation for his first starting XI, with Danny Vukovic in goal and the same back-four which started all three games at the recent FIFA World Cup.
Mark Milligan skippered the side, with Giannou getting the nod up front and Massimo Luongo and Jackson Irvine anchoring the midfield.
The Caltex Socceroos promised to attack in the lead-up to the match and did that from the outset, racing to a 2-0 lead by the midway point of the first half.
A sensational cross from Robbie Kruse lead to an own goal from defender Khalid El Ibrahim, before Giannou pounced for his first international goal soon after.
Arnold’s side was in cruise control and should have taken an even healthier lead to the break given their dominance.
