Socceroos v Saudi Arabia World Cup Qualifier: Player Ratings

WHO starred and who stunk for the Socceroos in their World Cup qualifier win over Saudi Arabia at the Adelaide Oval last night?

WHO starred and who stunk for the Socceroos in their World Cup qualifier win over Saudi Arabia at the Adelaide Oval last night?

MAT RYAN — 6

Was largely untested for much of the evening and could do little to prevent either of the Saudi’s goals. Played the sweeper-keeper role confidently as usual.

MILOS DEGENEK — 6

Was solid if unspectacular on the left side of the defensive trio. Showed his reliability and versatility in slotting into any position required at the back.

BRAD SMITH — 6

Got forward at every opportunity, using his pace and aggression to raise alarms down the left-hand side. But failed to have a meaningful impact or deliver a killer final ball and was substituted at halftime.

MATHEW LECKIE — 9

Often criticised for his lack of end product, but silenced his doubters with an excellent performance. Produced a real moment of quality to scamper down the right and deliver an inch-perfect cross for Tomi Juric’s second goal and should been awarded a penalty after another tireless burst into the box in the second half.

TOMI JURIC — 8

Two first half chances and two goals. Showed brilliant awareness to pounce on Saudi keeper Yasser Al Mosailem mis-hit clearance in the seventh minute and pulled out a nerveless finish from 25m to give the Socceroos a dream start. Got his second when he buried a free header from Leckie’s pinpoint cross.

AARON MOOY — 7

Worked hard in a deeper role, but had less creative impact as a result. Started a couple of attacking moves with good long range passes and offered a constant passing option in midfield.

MILE JEDINAK — 6

Was guilty of several sloppy passes in the engine room in the first half and should possibly have tracked Mohammed Al Sahlawi for the Saudi’s opener. But the skipper was an important presence in front of the back three and proved his leadership qualities once again.

RYAN MCGOWAN — 6

The China-based defender was the last of the Socceroos to arrive into Adelaide and never looked totally at ease on the right side of the back three. Produced a couple of telling last ditch tackles to nullify the Saudi’s lightening transitions.

TRENT SAINSBURY — 6

Was caught out for the visitor’s first goal as the fleet-footed Salem Aldawsari exchanged a lightening one-two with Al Sahlawi that left the on-loan Inter Milan defender in his wake. But he came up with a superb matchwinning tackle late on to prevent a clear one-on-one with Ryan.

JACKSON IRVINE — 5

Came into the match on the back of a breakout season in front of goal in the English Championship, but rarely threatened in an attacking sense. Was replaced by Robbie Kruse in the 63rd minute.

TOM ROGIC — 8

Delivered a moment of pure class to drive home Australia’s winner from outside the box just when his country needed him most. Also started the move for the second goal with a nice pass for Leckie and showed his quality and strength on the ball throughout.

AZIZ BEHICH — 7

Won the ball which lead to Rogic’s goal and looked sharp out wide after coming on at halftime for Smith. Was bright and busy in his 45 minutes on the field.

ROBBIE KRUSE — 6

Came on for Irvine in the 63rd minute and had some decent touches. Will look to get more game time with the national team in the coming weeks as his club future hangs in the balance.

MASSIMO LUONGO — N/A

Came on for Juric in the 85th minute.