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Asian Cup final: Socceroos player ratings in 2-1 win over Korea Republic in Sydney

THERE were no shortage of heroes for the Socceroos - who sealed the title of Asian Cup champions - but who shone brightest. Find out in our Player Ratings.

SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA - JANUARY 31: Massimo Luongo of Australia celebrates after scoring his teams first goal during the 2015 Asian Cup final match between Korea Republic and the Australian Socceroos at ANZ Stadium on January 31, 2015 in Sydney, Australia. (Photo by Ryan Pierse/Getty Images)
SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA - JANUARY 31: Massimo Luongo of Australia celebrates after scoring his teams first goal during the 2015 Asian Cup final match between Korea Republic and the Australian Socceroos at ANZ Stadium on January 31, 2015 in Sydney, Australia. (Photo by Ryan Pierse/Getty Images)

MASSIMO Luongo and James Troisi popped up with goals, while the Trent Sainsbury - Matthew Spiranovic partnership took another step forward as the Socceroos were crowned champions of Asia on Saturday night.

Who shone brightest for Ange Postecoglou’s triumphant side?

VIDEO: Key moments in stunning triumph

MATCH REPORT: Australia crowned champions of Asia

PIC SPECIAL: celebrate the Socceroos’ classic win

ANALYSIS: Young Roos show courage on biggest stage

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

Find out with our Socceroos player ratings and pass judgment on each player.

1. MAT RYAN 7.5

Was busy with his feet and hands. Raced off the line on numerous occasions and produced some brilliant and crucial stops throughout the 120 minutes.

2. IVAN FRANJIC 6.5

Booked within six minutes and didn’t overlap as much as usual due to his injury. Lasted 74 minutes before his groin gave away, as he came off in tears. A courageous, selfless effort.

23. TRENT SAINSBURY 8

Composed on the big occasion and defended brilliantly. Provided the assist for Luongo’s goal, though the midfielder still had a bit to do.

6. MATTHEW SPIRANOVIC 8

Wasn’t scared to push forward with the ball or when pressure needed to be applied to South Korea’s deep-lying players. Immense in the dying minutes.

3. JASON DAVIDSON 7

The left-back had an epic duel with South Korean superstar Son Heung-Min. Was tested but didn’t stop and ran all game, with his extra-time energy a sight to behold.

15. MILE JEDINAK 8

Looked at ease on the big occasion and almost scored with an eighth minute free-kick. His experience was vital in the end as experienced heads came off.

5. MARK MILLIGAN 7.5

Started as one of the advanced midfielders and set the tone for Australia’s physicality by getting into the South Korean’s faces. Moved to right-back when Franjic came off.

21. MASSIMO LUONGO 8.5

A stunning piece of technique for the 45th minute goal, starting with an exquisite first touch then a thunderous strike. Didn’t shirk his defensive duties, providing a crucial early block on Son.

10. ROBBIE KRUSE 6.5

Was in tears as he was stretchered in the 71st minute, after working so hard to overcome a knee reconstruction. Appeared to injure his achilles. Full of injury up to then.

7. MATHEW LECKIE 7.5

His stamina is absolutely extraordinary. Worked tirelessly defensively and forced some good saves from keeper Kim Jin-Hyeon. Deserved a goal.

4. TIM CAHILL 6.5

Subbed off after 64 minutes after copping aknock on the foot in the first half. While he didn’t score, his tenacity caused South Korea’s defence issues.

9. TOMI JURIC 7

Came of for Cahill 19 minutes into the second half and struggled to get into the game, until his wonderful persistence set up James Troisi’s extra-time goal.

14. JAMES TROISI 7.5

Replaced the distraught Kruse and played on the left wing. Had a huge impact in extra-time, gambling to beat his opponent to the loose ball for the winning goal.

17. MATT McKAY 6.5

Replaced Franjic and slotted into midfield for Milligan, who moved to right-back. Helped the Socceroos overrun South Korea.

COACH: ANGE POSTECOGLOU 8

Gambled with Franjic’s selection, but his subs were spot on as they all made an impact and the overall tournament rotation was justified in a glorious 120 minutes last night.

Originally published as Asian Cup final: Socceroos player ratings in 2-1 win over Korea Republic in Sydney

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