Socceroos raise World Cup hopes after bouncing Czechs

One should not read too much into a friendly international two weeks before the 2018 FIFA World Cup kicks off but two instances in Australia's match against the Czech Republic stood out like a beacon.

The Socceroos have beaten the Czech Republic 4-0 in a World Cup warm-up match held in Austria. Source: AAP

They showed very clearly that the Socceroos have the potential to cause some damage in Russia against the likes of France, Denmark and Peru.

All of a sudden the Australians' date with Les Bleus in Kazan on June 16 is looking less formidable and fearsome.

Bert van Marwijk's men crushed the hapless Czechs 4-0 in a trial in St Polten in Austria and the result no doubt will raise a few eyebrows and turn a few heads around the world.