Australia's encouraging Confederations Cup performance proved that while there should be a 2018 World Cup place for Tim Cahill, there may not be room for another ex-Premier League player in Mile Jedinak.
It also vindicated coach Ange Postecoglou's bold, if risky, attacking approach, suggesting that his contentious 3-2-4-1 formation could be a goer -- if the right pieces of the puzzle are in place.
That would mean continuing to play Mark Milligan as a centre-back, rather than in midfield, after his stellar display helped keep a usually rampant Chile attack quiet on Sunday. Jedinak, meanwhile, runs the risk of missing out altogether -- unless he too can re-invent himself as a central defender. The Aston Villa man didn't travel to Russia after suffering a groin injury in Australia's 3-2 win over Saudi Arabia on June 8, and now finds himself well down the Socceroos' central midfield pecking order.
Postecoglou's side were impressive in their 1-1 draw against Chile in Moscow, taking a first-half lead against the South American champions through the excellent James Troisi -- and had chances to double their advantage -- before Martin Rodriguez's 67th-minute equaliser.
Three years and 12 days after a comparatively comfortable 3-1 victory over a young and raw Australian side at Brazil 2014, the Chileans faced an altogether different beast at the Spartak Stadium. From the first crunching tackle, the Socceroos walked a disciplinary tightrope -- Cahill was lucky to escape a red card for his two-footed challenge on Charles Aranguiz -- but Australia's relentless pressing clearly upset the favourites.
Instead of appearing in a familiar role as a substitute striker in the second half, Cahill celebrated his 100th cap with a tireless performance in midfield, reminiscent of his early days with the Socceroos more than a decade ago.
Playing deeper and wearing the captain's armband, he didn't provide his usual aerial threat at the tip of Australia's formation. Rather, his industry, spirit and energy clearly lifted his younger teammates against the No. 4-ranked side in the world, who appeared startled by a team they clearly expected to roll over.
Milligan was magnificent in partnership with Trent Sainsbury, and worked wonders in keeping Alexis Sanchez reasonably quiet. The first-half challenge where he disarmed the Arsenal man in the box -- turned down by the VAR as a possible penalty -- was expertly timed.
It is a shame that Milligan has been hidden away for past two years, playing his club football with Baniyas SC in the United Arab Emirates. Now a free agent, the combative former Melbourne Victory captain helped his dreams of a move to England in front of scouts from the Premier League and Championship.
Which brings us to the Jedinak dilemma. The ex-Sydney United junior is still the national captain, a winner and a true fighter, and only 14 months ago took Crystal Palace to the brink of FA Cup final glory against Manchester United at Wembley Stadium.
But within the attack-minded Postecoglou system, Jedinak is now too slow to be a screening midfielder, and too wayward with his passing. Against Chile, the likes of Massimo Luongo and Jackson Irvine stepped up and proved that they are ready to boss Australia's engine room. Jedinak was never really missed.
However, if the 32-year-old can swallow his pride to slot into the middle of a back three, flanked by the more mobile Milligan and Sainsbury, this could serve the Socceroos well in Russia next year. There's no doubt that his experience is still of value to the squad. He could quite possibly help rectify the concentration errors that have seen the Socceroos concede a litany of goals at the very start and end of halves in recent times.
Australia's centre-back stocks could also be further replenished if Matthew Spiranovic can win back the trust of Postecoglou -- something that will surely hinge on whether the 28-year-old can earn a move to a league with a higher standard than the Chinese second division.
Also looking for a new club is former Melbourne Victory man Troisi. The 28-year-old seems to save his best performances for Australia, with his speed, directness and set-piece prowess providing a cutting edge to an attack that can at times be toothless without him. It is hoped that, like Milligan, the shop window of the Confederations Cup will help the Asian Cup final hero get picked up by a European club.
Irvine produced his best competitive performance in an Australian shirt, and looks like he now believes he belongs at international level. Burton Albion's player of the year in the English second tier last season, he brings industry and physicality to the midfield, and can lay claim to being Postecoglou's best find in the past 12 months.
However, what is perhaps most satisfying about the Socceroos' performance against Chile was that it was achieved without their two most celebrated young players in Aaron Mooy and Tom Rogic. In addition to providing different tactical options, it sends a message to the British-based pair that there is no such thing as certain starters in a Postecoglou team.
Which again underlines the value of Cahill, who will turn 38 in December, six months before the opening game of what could be his fourth World Cup.
Japan's long-time bogeyman will know that Australia will mostly likely need a draw, or a win, in their penultimate World Cup qualifier in Saitama on Aug. 31 to automatically book their place in Russia. Postecoglou will know that too, and will no doubt turn to his most-trusted deputy to once again inspire this up-and-coming group of Socceroos.