Asian Cup 2015: David Davutovic rates the Socceroos squad after their Asian Cup triumph
STUDS UP: David Davutovic rates the campaigns of every Socceroos player during the Asian Cup. Cast your vote, and re-live his weekly chat.
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SOCCEROOS coach Ange Postecoglou used 19 players on his way to Asian Cup glory.
News Corp football writer David Davutovic rates those men who made history. Check them out, cast your vote, and return here at 12pm EDT as David joins us for an Asian Cup special edition of STUDS UP, his weekly football chat.
GOALKEEPER
MAT RYAN 8
Couldn’t be faulted for any of the three goals conceded and often cleared danger outside his box. Awarded goalkeeper of the tournament.
WHAT THE PLAYERS SAID/POSTED ON SOCIAL MEDIA
DEFENDERS
TRENT SAINSBURY 8
Got rid of his nerves in game one and didn’t put a foot wrong after that. The find of the tournament along with Luongo.
MATTHEW SPIRANOVIC 8
Continued from his stellar World Cup to produce a series of composed and commanding performances.
LUONGO GRABS HIS CHANCE TO SHINE
THE MOMENT ANGE INSPIRED HIS TROOPS
A GOLDEN MOMENT FOR AUSTRALIAN FOOTBALL
SUPER SUBS EXCEL FOR SOCCEROOS
TIRED SOCCEROOS FRONT UP TO REWARD LOYAL FANS
ALEX WILKINSON 6
Only called on against China, when Spiranovic was suspended, and did the business.
IVAN FRANJIC 7
Played all bar the closing stages of the final when he limped off. Solid throughout and brave.
JASON DAVIDSON 7
Was backed in from the quarter-finals. While he came up against some top opponents, he stood up and got forward.
AZIZ BEHICH 6.5
Played against Kuwait and South Korea before Davidson was given the nod in a close call. Didn’t do a lot wrong.
MIDFIELDERS
MILE JEDINAK 8
The skipper had less support than at the World Cup, as he was the only defensive midfielder, but he led by example.
MARK MILLIGAN 8
Immense in the two games in which he replaced Jedinak. Played further forward in the final before moving to right back.
MASSIMO LUONGO 8.5
Would have been outrageously long odds a month ago to win player of the tournament. A complete midfielder.
MATT McKAY 7
Started twice. His energy and directness help the Socceroos’ high-tempo game.
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ASIAN CUP MATCH CENTRE: stats, line-ups, play-by-play, video.
ANGE: I expected drama, but never lost faith.
REACTION: Hear from all the key players
MARK BRESCIANO 6
His only start was against China and his lack of minutes made it hard for him to make an impact.
TOMMY OAR 5
Stiff to play only 17 minutes (off the bench against Oman) after good club form.
ATTACKERS
ROBBIE KRUSE 6.5
Threatened to explode after his Oman performance, but never quite matched it. Will hope his latest injury isn’t long term.
MATHEW LECKIE 7
Caused defences issues with his directness and physicality. Unlucky not to score, and at times tried almost too hard.
TIM CAHILL 7.5
Stood up when needed most, including the equaliser in the opener against Kuwait and his stunning effort against China.
TOMI JURIC 6
Given ample chances, featuring in all bar one game, and threatened on occasions. A goal against Oman and assist in the final were his highlights.
JAMES TROISI 7
Stiff not to get more starts after scoring in the opening game, but left his greatest contribution for the final, scoring the winner.
NATHAN BURNS 6.5
The A-League’s top scorer was dangerous when given the chance. Unlucky not to score or play more.
THE COACH
ANGE POSTECOGLOU 9
What appeared a gaffe, when he left out Cahill, Leckie and Kruse against South Korea in the group stage, turned out to be a masterstroke as the Socceroos overran the Koreans in the final. His bold selections and long-term regeneration paid off in stunning fashion.
Originally published as Asian Cup 2015: David Davutovic rates the Socceroos squad after their Asian Cup triumph