Sometimes _ in fact, quite often _ its all about the result.

Make no mistake, this was a high pressure game for Australia. Anything less than a win might have made things very sticky on the road to Russia 2018.

Winning pretty is nice, but winning any way you can is what is more important, and the Socceroos managed to do so, beating the UAE 2-0. In truth the UAE never really threatened much and Australia was good enough to absorb its pressure and ultimately impose itself on the game to get the win they needed.

Coach Ange Postecoglou stuck with the new three at the back system that he introduced for the draw with Iraq, and the team looked more cohesive second time out.

James Troisi, restored to the line up after a long absence, was excellent and created the two goals for Jackson Irvine and Mat Leckie with pinpoint corners, while Irvine showed he belonged at this level with a goal and a dynamic performance.

"It was a challenging ten days for us but we know at home we can be a dominant team and play our football," Postecoglou told Fox Sports after the game.

"I am pleased for Lecks, that's a couple of goals he has got now. Jackson was outstanding and Jimmy Troisi was fantastic."