Socceroos player ratings: studs and duds from Australia’s heartbreaking loss to Peru

IT was far from the result - or the performance - Australia was hoping for and left a team and nation asking ’what could have been?’ See who stood up for the Socceroos in the loss to Peru.

Mathew Leckie was the Socceroos’ player of the tournament. Picture: Toby Zerna

IT was far from the result - or the performance - Australia was hoping for and left a team and nation asking “what could have been. See who stood up for the Socceroos in the loss to Peru.

MAT RYAN - 6

As has been the case all tournament, the unlucky Brighton goalkeeper Ryan couldn’t have really done anything for both goals Australia conceded, while his distribution was typically astute.

JOSH RISDON - 5

Got caught out of position in the lead-up to Peru’s second goal, looked shaky at times at the back and was out on his feet late in the second half.

A dejected Mat Ryan after the clash. Picture: Getty

TRENT SAINSBURY - 5.5

A couple of classy pieces of dribbling and forward passes from the Rolls Royce defender, but lost Paolo Guerrero in the move that led to Peru’s first goal.

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MARK MILLIGAN - 6

Didn’t really put a foot wrong, the only criticism might be that he and Sainsbury could have held a higher defensive line, knowing Australia needed to score goals.

Veterans Mile Jedinak and Tim Cahill thank the Aussie supporters. Picture: Toby Zerna

AZIZ BEHICH - 6

Showed adventure to get forward from the get-go. Fired a volley wide and fluffed a simple cross to Tim Cahill in the second half as Australia pressed for the goals they needed.

MILE JEDINAK - 5

Booked early for a wild challenge and - like Behich - didn’t cover himself in glory for Peru’s second goal as he failed to track back. Not the skipper’s best afternoon. The Aussie skipper summed it best after the clash, saying his team were “disappointed and empty” after the loss.

Tom Rogic had his best game of the tournament. Picture: AP

AARON MOOY - 6

Struggled to control the midfield in the same way he did against France and Denmark. A very quiet afternoon by his ultra-high standards after a long domestic season.

MAT LECKIE - 7

The hardest working Socceroos player on the pitch again. Boundless energy up and down the right flank. Had a great chance snuffed out in the first half. Can never doubt his commitment.

Mathew Leckie was the Socceroos’ player of the tournament. Picture: Toby Zerna

TOM ROGIC - 7

Australia’s best player in the first half. His dazzling feet created opportunities for teammates while he had a shot saved. Looked to fatigue in the second half. Cautioned for a cynical foul.

ROBBIE KRUSE - 6

A solid, if not spectacular, showing. He combined well with Leckie and Rogic and provided defensive cover for the adventurous Behich.

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TOMI JURIC - 4.5

As expected, he replaced the injured Andrew Nabbout but failed to make an impact up front. Struggled to hold the ball up and was replaced early in the second half by Tim Cahill.

Tim Cahill has played his last World Cup. Picture: Getty

SUBSTITUTES

TIM CAHILL - 6.5

What could have been! Came on for Juric in the 53rd minute and Australia looked more threatening in the final third. Should have scored in his fourth World Cup but was let down by Behich’s stray volleyed cross.

DANIEL ARZANI - 6.5

What a talent. Played with no fear, ran at Peru’s defence and had a speculative shot flash over the bar. Did he get enough minutes in Russia?

The master and apprentice. Picture: AAP

JACKSON IRVINE - 5

Played the final 18 minutes and injected some energy into Australia’s play as they pressed higher up the pitch in search of goals.

Originally published as Socceroos player ratings: studs and duds from Australia’s heartbreaking loss to Peru