Ange Postecoglou begun his time at the Socceroos helm in triumphant fashion with a Tim Cahill goal securing a 1-0 win over Costa Rica in Sydney on Tuesday.
Cahill headed his way into the record books at Allianz Stadium, equalling Damian Mori's all-time Socceroos goal-scoring record of 29 goals.
It was a clear start of a new chapter for the Socceroos, who despite a nervous start, looked a revived outfit.
They largely delivered the attacking, possession-based game Postecoglou likes to play and didn't allow the Costa Ricans to get into any real rhythm with the world No.31 side not registering a single shot on goal.
Clearly wanting to assess some of the younger players, Postecoglou started Dario Vidosic and Mathew Leckie up front while the likes of Josh Kennedy and Cahill sat on the bench.
And while the duo showed promising signs in attack it was veteran Cahill who finally broke the deadlock in the 69th minute with another vintage moment of aerial brilliance as he climbed past the Coast Rican defence to head home and put Australia 1-0 up.
The Socceroos' first real chance came just before the break when Robbie Kruse, who was a real thorn in the Costa Rican's side the entire game, set Leckie up perfectly.
Kruse sent the ball across the face of goal, only for the striker to misfire.
Crystal Palace skipper Mile Jedinak looked like opening the scoring early in the second stanza with a powerful strike but sent it wide.
In an effort to turn chances into goals Postecoglou brought Cahill and Tom Rogic on in the second half and the move paid off.
Celtic playmaker Rogic, despite constantly being fouled, instantly created space and looked dynamic while Cahill was a threat from the get go.
The Socceroos defence, heavily criticised after recent thumpings to Brazil and France, looked the most solid it has in a while.
Lucas Neill, who became Australia's longest-serving captain on Tuesday wearing the armband for a 61st time, marshalled the defence well as he partnered with Rhys Williams in the centre of defence.
However Jason Davidson, who's being touted as a possible long-term solution at the problematic left-back spot, had a night to forget.
He almost put Australia a goal behind early in the match when he sent the Socceroos defence scrambling with a clearance gone wrong, only to be saved by Ivan Franjic who cleared the ball off the line.
It was the only real threat to Mat Ryan's goal, with the keeper not having to make one save.
Wellington Phoenix's Carlos Hernandez and Kenny Cunningham came on as second-half substitutes for the Costa Ricans, who were largely left wanting in most aspects of the game.
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