Australia left hurt by toughest loss in years, after late heartbreak in World Cup opener against France

MARK Milligan produced one of the best performances of his Socceroos career after being deployed in defence by Bert van Marwijk. But it wasn’t enough, leaving the veteran devastated.

Australia's Mile Jedinak (left) and Mark Milligan (2nd from left) following their close loss to France during their FIFA World Cup group match at Kazan Arena during the FIFA 2018 World Cup in Kazan, Russia, Saturday, June 16, 2018. (AAP Image/Dean Lewins) NO ARCHIVING

GUTTED Socceroos defender Mark Milligan conceded that was the worst he’d felt after a loss in years.

Having been deployed in central defence by Bert van Marwijk after spending the last six years playing midfield for the Socceroos, the decision was justified.

DIVERS: Frustrated Leckie hits out at France

REVEALED: What Jedinak told shattered Socceroos in huddle

VAR DRAMA: Socceroos find decision ‘difficult to digest

A dejected Mark Milligan walks away after the French celebrate the winning goal Picture: Toby Zerna

Milligan produced a stellar performance at left stopper, providing twin pillars of poise alongside the outstanding Trent Sainsbury, as they snuffed out a host of danger from a world-class French attack, headed by Kylian Mbappe.

“It’s been a while since a loss has hurt that much. We put so much effort in. They’re such a good side, individually, across the park they’ve got talent everywhere,’’ Milligan said.

“There was so much made by all the media about how dangerous they are going forward. To be honest we kept them to two or three half chances, nothing clear cut.

RATINGS: Who starred and who struggled for Socceroos

‘DISAPPOINTED’: Roos coach laments VAR-inspired defeat

Australia's Mark Milligan slides in to tackle Nabil Fekir. Pic: AAP

“There were times we could be a bit more ruthless and that’s across the field. when we get the ball that’s one of our strengths.

“That’s a good thing for us, I think going forward, even though today was a good performance I think we’ve got a lot more to give.”

DAILY WRAP: Even the greats have off days — Messi’s nightmare

WORLD VIEW: Ronaldo of Russia reaches ‘dimensions of God’

Aaron Mooy was inspirational for Australia, despite the loss. Pic: AAP

Milligan paid tribute to his former defensive midfield partner, captain Mile Jedinak, and Huddersfield Town’s Aaron Mooy for their outstanding patrolling work.

“I think we were in the game for large parts, I thought we executed quite well defensively, throughout the team,’’ he said.

“Mile and Mooysie were outstanding in shutting down those lanes into the front three and it really gives Sains (Trent Sainsbury) and I a chance to be aggressive when and it does come through.

“There’s always things we can do better, but overall to lose all the points is hard to take.”

CAN AUSTRALIA STILL GET OUT OF GROUP C? USE OUR PREDICTOR BELOW