Alpha’s Tom Woodgate writes… A Socceroos team made up of mostly domestic A-League players battled to a very credible 2-2 draw in Kuwait last night, all but assuring safe passage to next year’s Asian Cup in Dubai. Whether any of them have put themselves in Pim’s thoughts for a plane ticket to South Africa remains debatable, though…

Here’s what we did learn about last night’s draw:

PIM’S PLAN IS SET. No matter the opposition, or location, Pim is going to stick with his preferred 4-2-3-1 formation.

THERE’S FIGHT IN THE FRINGES. When the A-Leaguers slumped to a 1-0 defeat at home, in Canberra, against the same opposition last March, it looked like Pim’s assertion that domestic players weren’t up to competing on an international level seemed founded. Last night’s gutsy performance, on a terrible surface and against a good opponent, proved to both coach and players that they’re capable stand-ins.

SCHWARZER’S SUCCESSOR REMAINS OPEN. This was meant to be Eugene Gelakovic’s chance to prove he’s Schwarzer’s South African deputy and perhaps long-term successor. A smart second-half stop the highlight, but he’ll be disappointed with the two goals he conceded, particularly being beaten on his near post for the second. Still has a point to prove.

MOORE OF THE SAME. Craig Moore’s reading of the game and marshalling of the back remains his greatest strength and is vital for our hopes in South Africa. The quicker he sorts out his playing future the better.

DEFENCE REMAINS KEY. Pim likes clean sheets. He gets a lot of them too with the Socceroos. Last night’s second-string backline, except for Moore, wouldn’t have provided him with any new options. There’ll be no changes in the first-choice line-up in this department.

THE FUTURE MAY BE BRIGHT. The performance of Mile Jedinak, particularly in the first half, the industry of Dario Vidosic, and the lively second-half inclusion on Nikita Rukavytsya proves there are shining lights waiting in the wings should, as predicted, retirements happen after the World Cup.

What we didn’t get to learn:

Bad luck struck Sydney FC striker Alex Brosque when he pulled up with a groin injury the day before the game, which he was rumoured to be starting in. It robbed the in-form striker of a chance to prove his worth as a genuine bolter for South Africa. If Pim advises him to seek a loan move away in the A-League off-season, then expect the Sydney FC striker to still be in the frame.

What we learned about last night’s Socceroos team:

Eugene Galekovic: Questionable positioning for the second goal; still has it all to prove. 
Craig Moore: Remains an impressive figure at the back for the Socceroos, a certain starter in South Africa. 
Luke Wilkshire: An excellent game, protected the back four well in his holding role. Well-taken goal too. 
Nick Carle: Made little impact and his lack of first-team football (at Crystal Palace, in England) was evident. A frustrating night.
Mile Sterjovski: Poor. Will be worried about his chances of making Pim’s World Cup squad on this showing. Needs to pick his game up. Fast. 
Simon Colosimo: Strong and committed, but made a mistake and was caught out of position for the first goal. Wouldn’t have convinced Pim.
Mile Jedinak: A very good first half, though faded in the second. Staking his claim as a long-term option in the Socceroos midfield. 
Archie Thompson: Looked busy and put in a better performance than his last outing, which Pim publicly slammed. Will get another chance and remains an option for SA.
Dean Heffernan: A goal, an assist, and a solid performance. Caught too high up the field at times and will need to learn more discipline on the international level. A good overall performance, though.
Dario Vidosic: A shining light. Athletic, full of pace, a keen eye and mobility – will be a big player in years to come.
Matthew Kemp: Looked out of his depth and dragged out of position at times. A performance full of commitment and effort for the debutant, though.

Subs:
Bruce Djite: Came on with a minute to go.
Nikita Rukavytsya: Looked lively, direct, and full of pace – another one for the future, but could be a possible bolter for a squad berth in SA. 
Matt Thompson: Came on late in the game.