Australia ensured they'd top Group One of the OFC Qualifiers with a comfortable 11 - 0 victory over Samoa, to finish the first step in their quest to reach the World Cup 2002 Finals.
In a match where there was more than a whiff of contractual obligation, the Socceroos did enough without stretching themselves, or placing themselves, or their team-mates in danger.
Samoa goalkeeper Molesi Tokuma, as expected, was the busiest player on the park. He pulled off enough saves of good quality to be pleased with his contribution, despite the loss. In one, he managed to tip over a powerful shot from the predacious Damian Mori after a fine run and cross from Fausto De Amicis.
But by then his side had conceded four, and was about to let in another seven, so in the end, his fine form went unrewarded.
Samoa had worked hard not to allow the Australians to run away with the game in the early stages, and they were unlucky to go in three behind at half-time. A Hayden Foxe shot from distance in first-half added time had taken a deflection to deceive Tokuma when it seemed likely that Samoa would only be two behind. Aurelio Vidmar had opened the scoring early, and David Zdrilic increased the lead just before the half-hour. Samoa were providing a tougher test than expected, and one that was causing the Australian bench some angst.
"It took us a little while to get going," said Australia coach Frank Farina after the game. "In the first half we were a little bit flat"
"We weren't happy with the way we were playing (in the first half)," said captain Kevin Muscat. "We didn't need Frank to tell us."
But the Socceroos lead had doubled within twelve minutes of the restart, then tripled it in a devastating four minute spell midway through the second-half. Vidmar, Popovic, and then Zdrilic brought the scoring rate up to standards set earlier in the week, then Archie Thompson started the next trio with the easiest of tap-ins after a fine weaving run and cross from Scott Chipperfield.
From then on it was a bit of a procession, bringing to mind some of the earlier game in this tournament, and highlighting the quality chasm that exists within the Oceania Federation.