Celtic midfielder Tom Rogic was among the goals for Australia as they swept Vietnam aside to keep their World Cup hopes alive and kicking.
But they remain out of the automatic qualification spots as it stands after fellow Parkhead star Daizen Maeda helped Japan to a crucial win over China.
The Socceroos had dropped points in each of their last three games prior to this international break and could scarcely afford to lose more ground in Melbourne on Thursday.
