Socceroos coach Ange Postecoglou argued his side were "outstanding" in the second half after they beat Saudi Arabia 3-2 in their World Cup qualifier in Adelaide.
Australia twice gave up a lead in a lacklustre first half where they struggled to retain possession against a lively - if equally poor defensively - visiting side.
The hosts took more control after the break, with Tom Rogic's 25-yard stunner securing the win, and Postecoglou applauded the Socceroos after the match at the Adelaide Oval.
"The three points are important when you look how tight the group is, and more important for us was there was a real good response particularly in the second half," he told Fox Sports.
"Our second 45 was outstanding and credit to the players. These are the kind of games you want to win. You don't want to be holding on."
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Postecoglou blamed his side's first-half display on a desire to "rush things" and a lack of passing accuracy.
Tomi Juric scored both of the Socceroos goals before the interval and his coach reserved special praise for the striker.
"I said before the game we're a little in a hurry to get these guys sort of mature and it just takes time. Tomi's developing all the time and it's been his first full season [at club level]," Postecoglou said.
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"He said he played about 30 games this year and that's a first time in his career and I've no doubt he'll keep developing in his career.
"He was great tonight. Not just his goals but he held the ball up well and caused some problems.
"We were in a rush to get into a certain place and we've just got to take our time with these guys.
"In the coming years they'll grow into exciting players."
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