Ange: Caltex Socceroos to 'go hard' in second leg back home

Ange Postecoglou has vowed a refreshed Caltex Socceroos will "go hard" in the second leg of their World Cup qualifying playoff against Syria following a 1-1 draw in Malaysia.

Australia will take a handy advantage to Sydney in the shape of Robbie Kruse's vital first half away goal, although a contentious late penalty from Omar Al Soma means the job is far from done.

But with the likes of Tom Rogic, Tim Cahill and James Troisi ready to be unleashed, Postecoglou has plenty of options should he decide to shuffle the pack for Tuesday's do-or-die return leg.

"We've got some players who can certainly come in and make an impact," Postecoglou told Fox Sports.

"The toll on them tonight wasn't anything significant and they will certainly be fresh for Tuesday.

"Our home form has been excellent for a long time now and we'll look to continue that."

Postecoglou, who admitted he was "baffled" by the decision to award Syria's spot-kick, praised his players' work ethic amid sweltering conditions.

One standout positive included the debut of former Sydney FC defender Matt Jurman, who was an assured presence on the left of a back-three.

"I thought he did really well. He has a good head on his shoulders," the manager said of the Suwon Bluewings man.

"He knew there would be nerves tonight but he did his job really well, kept it simple.

"He and Josh Risdon [both impressed]. Josh ran out of legs at the end but they came in and did a good job for us."