Arnold eyes perfect Socceroos campaign

Before Thursday night's victory, Australia had never beaten the hosts away, losing 1-0 in the 2019 Asian Cup group stage in the UAE, 2-0 in a World Cup qualifier in 2015 and 2-1 in another World Cup qualifier back in 2012.

But the victory was narrow with Jordan coming close to snatching a point a number of times in the closing stages of the match.

The hosts had just 32 per cent of possession but managed 11 shots on target. Australia produced 10.

Arnold believes his side proved themselves in their toughest qualifier yet, but he is demanding they maintain focus when they play Kuwait on March 26.

"We're going for 24 (points), you know I want, I expect the boys to build a winning mentality," he said.

"That's what we talk a lot about and we want to go through this whole phase undefeated and getting eight wins and getting 24 points and with a great goal difference."

"It's about improving every time we catch up and every time we get into camp it's about building what we've been building, and you can see our attacking players getting better and better and the mentality of the boys working-wise is fantastic."

The Socceroos have suffered selection issues due to injuries and fatigue caused by long-distance travel this campaign.

But Arnold is optimistic he will soon be able field a full-strength side and his squad won't lose cohesion they have developed over the four-month break.

"They'll be fine," he said.

"Like I said when I first turned up it was 23-25 strangers and now I've got 23 great mates that want to fight for each other and work for each other."

Striker Adam Taggart, who scored the winner on Thursday night, said it had been a "quality" campaign and it would be a frustrating wait until the next match at home against Kuwait.

"It would be nice to freshen up and it was nice end the year on a high," he said.

"Now we'll all be ready to improve and build on this year for next year."

Australian Associated Press