Socceroos sink Jamaica 2-1

Socceroos coach Frank Farina has praised his new-look defence as Australia scored an impressive 2-1 victory over Jamaica.

The scoreline did not reflect the Socceroos' superiority over a side ranked 13 places above them in the FIFA world rankings, with Harry Kewell going close to scoring several times before his 58th minute decider for Australia.

Farina was particularly impressed with his revamped back four, which was hit by injury before the match.

"Our back four was completely changed apart from Lucas Neill and they did very well, exceptionally well," Farina said.

"They had a bit of a shaky start but I felt for the last hour we absolutely dominated and created an enormous amount of opportunities.

"The manner in which we're playing is working a treat. Not only in the Irish game but in the English game, we're creating a lot of chances.

"I don't think 2-1 was a real indicator of how the game went today, and that's the really pleasing thing that's coming out of it. Players who have come in, and some are supposed fringe players, shows that we've still got very good depth."

Farina made only two changes to his starting 11, bringing on second string keeper Zeljko Kalac for Mark Schwarzer in the second half and replacing Mark Viduka with Mile Sterjovski six minutes from the end of the game.

None of the three uncapped players named in the squad got a start.

But Farina said he did not want to make changes simply for the sake of it.

"Sometimes it can be detrimental to the way you're playing," he said.

"I felt that we were going exceptionally well. Everyone was still full of running."

The match at Madejski Stadium was the first time the two countries have played each other at any level and the first time the Socceroos have played a home match outside Australia.

Harry Kewell was back to his mercurial best, setting up Australia's first goal and scoring the decider.

Kewell, backed by Josip Skoko, Scott Chipperfield and Marco Bresciano, effectively shut down the lively Jamaican attack midway through the first half with Australia in command.