[1] Australia's Brett Holman celebrates scoring against Thailand. REUTERS/Damir Sagolj Brett Holman has fired the Socceroos into the final stage of 2014 World Cup qualifying in a hard-fought 1-0 win over a gallant Thailand in Bangkok.
Needing only a point to seal progression to the final round of Asian qualifying, starting in June, Australia had to soak up some heavy pressure at Supachalasai Stadium before Holman's 77th minute header put the result beyond doubt.
The result means Holger Osieck's side heads into their final Group D qualifier at home against Saudi Arabia in February knowing the job is already done, possibly allowing the German coach to experiment with his squad.
Despite talk of being determined to atone for Friday's shock 1-0 loss to Oman in Muscat, the Socceroos were far from convincing on a humid Bangkok evening.
But the ever-improving Holman again proved his worth, with his second goal in three international matches.
The AZ Alkmaar midfielder found Brett Emerton out wide and the Sydney FC winger sent in a fine cross before Holman steered a header into the back of the net.
Emerton was one of two changes to the starting side from the loss in Oman, with Michael Zullo also coming in as injured Harry Kewell and Rhys Williams made way.
Despite beginning with a familiar-looking team Australia looked disjointed and struggled to control possession for much of the first half.
They were lucky to go into the break level, with the only genuine chance of the half falling to the hosts.
Impressive midfielder Datsakorn Thonglao pulled all the strings for Thailand, producing an exquisite through ball in the 35th minute only for Suree Sukka to blast over the bar from close range.
Australia's left side, particularly Zullo, was bombarded by the lively Thais while the Socceroos were restricted to only two shots on goal for the half.
Both fell to the head of in-form striker Josh Kennedy but neither attempt troubled Thailand goalkeeper Kosin Hathairattanakool.
The Thais continued to threaten early in the second half and tension was building until Holman intervened.
Thailand's best chance to equalise fell to substitute Sarawut Masuk but he couldn't keep a close-range shot down.
Australia moved to 12 points atop Group D, ensuring they will top the group.
Midfielder Matt McKay will be ineligible to face Saudi Arabia after picking up a second-half yellow card.
Holman admitted the Socceroos were not convincing but said they had got the result they were after.
"We got the job done, so that's the most important thing and now we can look to the opponents we have in round two and see how we go from there," Holman told Fox Sports.
"These sort of games, it all depends on the three points.
"We did it tonight, not convincingly, but we didn't give away much either so that was the most important thing."
Osieck admitted it was a tough win but praised his side for their efforts on two tricky away matches.
"I'm pretty pleased for the boys, tough win but a good win," Osieck said.
"You have to consider ... we had two road games, playing in Asia in different countries in the Middle East and South East Asia, it's always difficult. It's not going to be easy for anybody.
"Already from three road games we won two, which is definitely a great achievement."
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