On a night at Wembley when a host of Socceroos demonstrated on another grand stage that they have what it takes to thrive at the top level, none flourished more than Craig Goodwin.
This most intelligent and creative of wingers was as fed up as the rest of his teammates that they didn't come away with more than a 1-0 defeat to England to show for their sterling efforts in the driving London rain on Friday night.
But with his neat passing, sharp movement and constant probing of the home defence down the left channel, the still ambitious 31-year-old was happy to admit that, personally, he had enjoyed shining back in the international shop window again.
For here was a reminder, just as at last year's World Cup, of the quality of the Adelaide man, who's just joined the growing number of fine players attracted by the challenge - and riches - of the Saudi Pro League at Al-Wehda.
"Absolutely," admitted Goodwin, when asked if he was inspired to really show off his ability in the most glaring spotlight.
"When you have these big stages, I'm someone who relishes these chances and I want to step up and have a big game.
"In the last two years, I've had much more of an opportunity to do this.
"Had a really good World Cup - and now I've had a game like this against England at Wembley, probably a once-in-a-lifetime for any player, so I want to make the most of these chances. I feel like I had a good performance."
He wasn't wrong. The perfectionist in Goodwin meant he still felt he could have been "more ruthless" with picking some of his final passes as the Socceroos created plenty of opportunities but he still looked just about the best player on the pitch.
So he smiles that his recent move from Adelaide United to Saudi has done him no harm, even if it was a pretty low-key piece of business compared to the juggernaut names that keep rolling in there to join the likes of Cristiano Ronaldo and Neymar.
Goodwin's ability is such that he could thrive in a top European league but he warns the burgeoning quality of the Saudi league should not be underestimated.
"Whatever opportunities come up in the future, that's something to decide then but, for now, I'm in Saudi where a lot of big players are going and, week in week out, the games are very tough. It's exciting to be there," he explained.
Indeed, could the A-League Men's loss end up being the Socceroos' gain if the Saudi move helps keep one of their best players at his sharpest with World Cup qualifiers and the Asian Cup looming?
"My main focus - especially now at international level - is trying to put in some really good performances and build for a really big Asian Cup with the Socceroos," said Goodwin.
"Because we have big aspirations in wanting to win it."
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