Player ratings: who starred and who struggled in Australia’s draw with Denmark

THE Socceroos went toe-to-toe with the 12th ranked team and nearly came out the other side with all three points. See who starred and who struggled in Australia’s draw with Denmark.

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THE Socceroos went toe-to-toe with the 12th ranked team and nearly came out the other side with all three points. See starred and who struggled in Australia’s draw with Denmark.

MATHEW RYAN (7)

Faultless. Could do nothing for Christian Eriksen’s superb strike and offered great distribution with his feet.

AZIZ BEHICH (6)

Marauding. Always willing to get forward and provide crosses into the box. Linked up well with the attacking players.

Socceroo’s goalkeeper Mathew Ryan had another stunning match with the gloves. Picture: Toby Zerna

MARK MILLIGAN (6)

Beaten by Nicolai Jorgensen for the Denmark goal, but helped neutralise the Danes’ attack thereafter.

TRENT SAINSBURY (6)

Stoic. Horribly dragged out of position for Eriksen’s early goal but recovered strongly. Produced a sneaky backheel deep in Australia’s half to launch an attack.

Mile Jedinak again led from the front. Picture: Toby Zerna

JOSH RISDON (5.5)

Solid. Failed to match Behich’s attacking output but reliable in defence against the dangerous Pione Sisto.

MILE JEDINAK (C) (6.5)

Captain cool! The skipper never looked in doubt as he calmly slotted his first-half penalty. It’s his third World Cup finals goal, all spot kicks.

AARON MOOY (7.5)

What a player! Provided a midfield masterclass. He made interceptions that started attacks, provided the corner that led to the penalty and went inches from scoring a stunning winner. Outperformed only by Mat Leckie.

Aaron Mooy again showed his class. Picture: AFP

TOM ROGIC (6.5)

Improved. A much better display than against France. It didn’t always come off but ran at the retreating Denmark defence and looked to feed teammates.

ROBBIE KRUSE (6)

Tireless. Ran his heart out and got into good positions but couldn’t capitalise. Had a shot blocked in the first half.

Andrew Nabbout was devastated to dislocate his shoulder during the match. Picture: Toby Zerna

MATHEW LECKIE (8) (MOTM)

Absolutely immense. He had the Danish terrified of tackling him, fashioned chances with his head and feet, tracked back to help his fullback and headed the ball that won Australia the penalty.

ANDREW NABBOUT (4)

Frustrated. Not the best afternoon at the office for the striker. Struggled to find space in behind before going off with a shoulder injury.

Daniel Arzani on the run from Denmark’s Thomas Delaney. Picture: Toby Zerna

SUBSTITUTES

DANIEL ARZANI (6.5)

Impactful. Came on with 23 minutes to go and showed what he is capable of. Forced Kasper Schmeichel into a strong save. His best moment a delicious piece of footwork on the byline to set up a great chance.

TOMI JURIC (5.5)

Played 15 minutes. Held the ball up better than Nabbout.

JACKSON IRVINE (5)

Came on in the 82nd minute. Helped keep Australia’s fast tempo in transition.

Originally published as Player ratings: who starred and who struggled in Australia’s draw with Denmark