They're not happy to be heading home, but at least Australia are leaving on a high after a 1-1 draw with South American champions Chile.

And no one is more pleased with the sparkling team performance than Luongo.

The midfield tyro struggled on his Confederations Cup debut, hauled off at half-time in Australia's 3-2 loss to world champions Germany.

Given Luongo was named player of the Asian Cup during a previous taste of international tournament soccer, it was a thud back to Earth.

"We all have our off days," he said philosophically.

"I didn't feel great after the first game. I got another chance ... and I'm glad I put it right for me and the team and for people watching back home."

The Queens Park Rangers man also started slowly against Chile.

He came into the occasion and was a telling contributor in midfield - coming close to opening the scoring - alongside Jackson Irvine.

The pairing of the 24-year-olds provided a glimpse of the potential future for Socceroos fans more used to seeing Mile Jedinak or Mark Milligan in the middle.

It might be some time before they're seen together again, given Aaron Mooy's form in the role in Russia and Jedinak's return to fitness.

Luongo said Australia could only benefit from having midfield options.

"Me and Jacko have played three seasons in the UK and that does something to you. We're so different from he boys who usually play in them positions. Not better or worse, just different," he said.

"You put Azza in who's a ball-playing midfielder. Me and Jacko are bit more dynamic in those no.6 positions and Mile who's just Mile - you can't replace him.

"Everyone has shown they deserve a spot in this team. Everyone wants to start every game they can."

Luongo said it would be pointless to get out the crystal ball to see if he'd be playing on the Socceroos next outing, a crucial World Cup qualifier with Japan on August 31.

"God knows what the boss does for the next game," he said.

"It's good letting people know we can mix it up a bit as well with personnel. Very good.

"We can all add something and it's up to the boss to choose which games suit us best."