The Rossocrociati’s own build-up to a sixth consecutive finals appearance had been turbulent to say the least after Breel Embolo’s delayed entry into the United States, as Murat Yakin’s side lined up without their star striker in San Diego. But after an early scare created by Nestory Irankunda’s corner, the Swiss soon settled into their stride.
Dan Ndoye broke the deadlock in the 14th minute, latching onto Granit Xhaka’s wonderful arching through ball by opening up his body and applying a clinical close-range finish past Patrick Beach.
That goal set the tone for the remainder of the half, with the Socceroos left to chase shadows underneath the Californian sunshine. However, Cristian Volpato’s searching in-swinging free-kick did pick out Harry Souttar, who headed wide at the far post after some fine defending by Silvan Widmer.
There was still time for one more chance for Ndoye before half-time, but Beach was out quickly to thwart the Nottingham Forest forward.
Australia began the second half with renewed vigour, and almost restored parity in emphatic style when Gregor Kobel pushed Irankunda’s ferocious long-range strike onto the crossbar.
Tony Popovic’s side were rewarded for their fast start with a deserved equaliser, as substitute Connor Metcalfe squared the ball into the path of Tete Yengi to slot home on his Socceroos debut, exploiting some sloppy Swiss defending.
Yakin’s team were knocking on the door in pursuit of a potentially decisive second goal, and Cedric Itten would have been disappointed to see his header graze the roof of the net after meeting Miro Muheim’s cross.
Despite looking the more likely to secure victory late on, the Rossocrociati were ultimately held to a draw in a productive workout for both sides, leaving each with plenty still to build on.
Flashscore Man of the Match: Dan Ndoye (Switzerland)