Australia made a winning start to their 2018 World Cup qualifying campaign with a 2-1 victory over a spirited Kyrgyzstan in Group B on Tuesday.
The Asian champions were far from their best in their opening game of the group and were thankful to Mile Jedinak and Tommy Oar after securing the three points.
Captain Jedinak opened the scoring with his ninth international goal after 62 seconds in Bishkek - the midfielder's free-kick deceiving Valery Kashuba with the help of a difficult bounce.
Any hopes Australia had of securing a comfortable victory were quickly extinguished, though, as Kyrgyzstan dominated the rest of the first half, albeit lacking enough quality in the final third.
Mirlan Murzaev was the hosts' main threat with his pace and neat footwork, and he saw Kyrgyzstan's first effort well blocked by the resolute Australian defence.
Eventually Australia's quality came through as Oar sealed the points and, although Azamat Baimatov halved the deficit in stoppage time, Ange Postecoglou's side hung on to avoid a potential upset.
Kyrgyzstan's impressive first-half display showed no signs of abating after the break, and only a Matthew Spiranovic block kept Australia ahead, the defender clearing Murzaev's back-heel.
As the hosts floundered in front of goal they were made to pay as Oar secured the win - Mark Milligan finding the substitute, who cooly slotted under Kashuba.
Baimatov's front-post flick gave Australia a late scare with a goal in the dying embers of the match, but the visitors held on to ensure a solid start as they look to qualify for a fourth World Cup finals in a row.
