THE Socceroos got their World Cup qualifying campaign off to the best possible start tonight, playing their best football since their heroics in Germany to beat Qatar 3-0 at Telstra Dome.

In their first World Cup campaign through Asia, Australia's stars put aside a limited preparation and their late arrivals from Europe to dominate the Qataris from start to finish.

Goals to Josh Kennedy, Tim Cahill and Mark Bresciano put the Socceroos three goals up inside the first 33 minutes as they played polished football reminiscent of their time under Guus Hiddink.