Striker Tim Cahilll knows what it takes to get a result against tough opposition and feels the Socceroos are well placed heading into their World Cup match against Chile.
The veteran was buoyed despite Australia's 1-0 loss to Croatian in Salvador on Friday (Saturday AEST).
He admitted more work needed to be done at the front after Australia struggled to create any meaningful chances and he was left with not much supply at the point of attack.
But the 34-year-old feels the Socceroos' disciplined display leaves them in a good place less than a week before they kick off their World Cup campaign against world No.13 side Chile on Friday (Saturday AEST).
"I'm really happy. I think defensively and structurally we really solid the goal they scored was an opportunist goal that basically just seemed to fall for them at the right time," he said.
"But overall it was very positive. We played when we had to play, we weren't really too bothered with the way they played, if anything I thought the way we set up was really structurally right and it will stand us in good stead for a team like Chile.
"Now we'll work this week on the final third and hopefully get some more chances."
Cahill said the Socceroos had held themselves well against their more fancied opponents, who boast several stars the likes of Real Madrid midfielder Luka Modric.
He felt the way Australia played and their improvement defensively would have made people take notice.
"When you look at the game, I think Croatia, they fielded a very top class team with world class strikers and players.
"We're out there to make it difficult for other sides but at the same time I know that we would have affected them mentally with the way we played football.
"I suppose for us, we're looking pretty good and overall maybe surprised a few people with our football."
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