Who stood out from the Australians both here and overseas in a busy week of the world game?
Paul Izzo: 1-1 draw for Melbourne Victory against Melbourne City (Victory won after penalties) – Full game played, four penalties saved, nine saves, 33/46 passing, one duel won, one dribble, one penalty scored.
Simply an unbelievable game from Paul Izzo.
During the game, he made three magnificent saves on shots from Leo Natel, as well as making a crucial penalty save.
But it was his shootout heroics that made this such a special performance, making three sensational saves as well as scoring his own penalty to send Melbourne Victory through to a semi-final where they will face Wellington.
Jordan Bos: 2-2 draw for KVC Westerlo against Sint Truiden- Full game played, one goal, three key passes, one big chance created, one tackle, six duels won.
Bos scored a stunner of a goal from distance in his third game since returning from injury.
One of Australia’s biggest talents, and probably the youngster most established in the Socceroo setup, it is great to see Bos thriving in Europe. The former Melbourne City standout is on his way to the very top.
Hayden Matthews: 4-0 win for Sydney FC against Macarthur. Full game played, one interception, two tackles, three duels won, 45/52 passing, one key pass, 30/38 passing.
The young Centre-back impressed as Sydney FC comfortably dispatched of Macarthur FC.
Partnering the vastly experienced Jack Rodwell, Matthews displayed his strong on-the-ball skills, as well as his ability to win the bal.
Cameron Burgess: 2-1 win for Ipswich Town against Coventry. Full game played, one goal, one tackle, six clearances, two duels won, 32/42 passing.
Burgess scored the winner to confirm Ipswich’s status as a Premier League club. Given that they were in League One just one season ago, this has been a dream season for Burgess, Massimo Luongo, and the Tractor Boys.
Burgess has been stellar for the club this season, performing at a level that has exceeded or at least met the form of any other Australian Centre-back in the world right now.
Ryan Strain: 3-1 win for St.Mirren against Dundee. 87 minutes played, one key pass, 20/35 passing, one dribble, five duels won, one tackle, one interception.
Strain had a solid game on the right flank for St.Mirren as they beat Dundee.
Born in England but capped for Australia, Strain’s attacking ability was on full show as he stormed down the touchline multiple times, creating chances and progressing play.
Luke Brattan: 4-0 win for Sydney FC against Macarthur- 85 minutes played, four duels won, 98/102 passing, two key passes, one dribble, one tackle, two interceptions.
The experienced midfielder ran the show for the Sky Blues against Macarthur.
Displaying, once again, his ability to control play and dominate the midfield, Brattan’s passing was excellent all night long.
If Sydney FC is to beat the Mariners, Brattan will be a big part of it.
Maximilien Balard: 2-0 win for Central Coast Mariners against Adelaide United- Full game played, one goal, two key passes, 39/43 passing, one dribble, four duels won, two interceptions, two tackles.
Max Balard profited from some sloppy Adelaide build up play to score for the Mariners in the pouring rain.
Balard, a Mariners academy product also impressed with his progressive passing and dribbling, as well as a solid defensive game.
Miguel Di Pizio: 1-0 win for Central Coast Mariners against Al-Ahed- 66 minutes played, 35/36 passing, two dribbles, four duels won, two tackles.
Di Pizo displayed, once again, why he is one of the most exciting young players in Australia right now.
Yet another talent let go by the Wanderers, Di Pizio helped the Mariners claim the AFC Cup, becoming the first Australian club ever to do so.
His exhilarating playstyle makes him one of the best Australian talents to look out for.
Jordan Courtney-Perkins: 4-0 win for Sydney FC against Macarthur. Full game played, one assist, 43/50 passing, three key passes, two dribbles, seven duels won, two tackles, one interception.
Despite playing in an unfamiliar position, Courtney-Perkins was quite good in Sydney’s dismantling of Macarthur.
Their win sets up a blockbuster semi-final with Central Coast, who will be looking to re-create their first-leg away win over Adelaide of last season.
Jason Cummings: 3-1 loss for Mohun Bagan Super Giant against Mumbai City. Full game played, one goal, one dribble, two duels won, 8/12 passing.
The ex-Mariner scored a nice goal off of a rebound to put Mohun Bagan up in the ISL final.
While Mumbai city eventually came back to win the game, Cummings played a good game, along with fellow Australian Dimitri Petratos.
Nishan Velupillay: 1-1 draw for Melbourne Victory against Melbourne City (Won after penalties). 52 minutes played, one goal, three dribbles, one key pass, 11 duels won, three tackles, one interception.
Velupillay scored the all-important equalizer to send this game to extra time.
Arriving at the back post, his deft finish created the platform for the Victory to win in on penalties against their city rivals.
The Melbourne native of Sri-Lankan descent also threatened with his dribbling multiple times after coming on.
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