Four members of the Socceroos' World Cup squad — Andrew Redmayne, Mathew Leckie, Jamie Maclaren and Marco Tilio – have been recognised for their efforts in Qatar as they made their first appearance back in the A-League Men competition.
It was a triumphant return for goalkeeper Redmayne, as Sydney FC defeated the previously unbeaten Melbourne City 2-1, despite the ladder leaders featuring Leckie, Maclaren and Tilio.
Before kick-off at the Sydney Football Stadium, the four players were given a rousing reception by the crowd.
They were afforded a guard of honour and given a commemorative award for their achievements.
The Socceroos' reached the round of 16 — equalling their best World Cup finish – where they lost 2-1 to Argentina last Sunday AEDT.
Redmayne was called into action early on Saturday night as Melbourne City looked to stamp its authority in its first match since manager Patrick Kisnorbo left for French side Troyes.
Interim City boss Rado Vidosic started both Maclaren and Leckie, and the pair were critical to the Victorian side scoring the opening goal after 21 minutes.
Leckie chipped a ball up on the edge of the Sydney FC box, which made contact with Luke Brattan's outstretched arm and despite bringing out his infamous "grey Wiggle" routine, Redmayne was powerless to stop Maclaren's well-placed penalty.
The goal was Maclaren's ninth of the season but the lead lasted little more than 90 seconds as the Sky Blues charged up the other end from the ensuing kick-off.
Sydney FC's Paulo Retre tested Tommy Glover with a header and the rebound, before English winger Joe Lolley came good with a follow-up shot to draw the home side level.
Redmayne was forced to deny further efforts from Thomas Lam and Maclaren but arguably the best chance of the first half came at the death when Sydney FC striker Patrick Wood had his shot cleared off the line.
Sydney FC centre back Jack Rodwell did not return in the second half and with the hour mark nearing, manager Steve Corica called on Englishman Andre Le Fondre to provide the spark.
Le Fondre duly did so with a poacher's finish to force Vidosic into action.
He brought Tilio into the fray with less than 30 minutes left and despite the winger rattling the woodwork in added time, he was unable to grab the equaliser.
It was the Sky Blues' first win at the new Sydney Football Stadium, with Corica's side unable to pick up a victory in their previous three outings at their revamped Moore Park home.
They sit in fourth place on the ladder ahead of an away trip to face Central Coast Mariners next Saturday.
City face crosstown rivals Victory on the same evening.
In Saturday's earlier A-League Men match, Wellington Phoenix and Western Sydney Wanderers drew 1-1.
AAP/ABC
