Much bigger tests lie in wait for the Socceroos,who will face at least two other Asian heavyweights in the crucial final phase of qualifying,due to begin in September.

If Australia finish in the top two of the six-team group they will earn a berth at next year’s World Cup.

There is a long way to go but the signs remain positive for Arnold’s men after notching their fifth win from five qualifiers and their third in nine days since arriving in Kuwait to resume their campaign to reach the World Cup.

Arnold again shuffled the deck to expose more players to the rigours of international football,handing exciting Melbourne City midfielder Connor Metcalfe his first international start,while Harry Souttar partnered Milos Degenek in the centre of defence and Ajdin Hrustic continued in his wide creative role.

Ex-Melbourne Victory gloveman Lawrence Thomas was also subbed on for his debut,replacing Andrew Redmayne for the final eight minutes.

Conditions were once again extremely tough for the Socceroos:temperatures hovered near 40 degrees at kick-off,while the pitch was choppy after days of repeated use by the teams in the hub,factors that played into Nepal’s defensively minded game plan.

Ranked 171st in the world by FIFA,Nepal were stoic,stubborn and well organised,and would have been pleased to have kept Australia to just two first-half goals and only one after going a man down.

The Socceroos play Jordan on Wednesday morning (AEST) in their final assignment of this international window,with their position atop group B unassailable. However,Arnold said they would still approach it as if it was a final.

“I’ll put out the best side we have and I expect to win,and another great performance,” he said. “We’re here to show everybody how much we’re committed to the Australian flag and to Australia the nation. We expect eight in a row.”

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