Socceroos player ratings for World Cup Group D opener against Germany:
MARK SCHWARZER: Seemed to misjudge flight for Germany’s second goal, though Germany’s brutal exposure of the back-four at every opportunity made his a tough night. Two good second half saves but not his best work. Rating: 5.
LUKE WILKSHIRE: Worked hard trying to make things happen, though Podolski gave his side of the park a torrid time and he played Germany onside for their first goal. Rating: 6.
CRAIG MOORE: Made some solid challenges and did the little work he needed to in air well. But Germany’s plan of playing short balls in front third and sending crosses in along ground found him wanting at times: Rating: 5.
LUCAS NEILL: A nightmarish return to a tournament he dominated in 2006. Guilty of playing Germans on-side in dangerous situations way too often and struggled to deal with their excellent movement. Rating: 3.
SCOTT CHIPPERFIELD: Shocker. His side was targeted time after time by the Germans, and that was a smart move on their part. Torn apart by Ozil and Muller and exposed for virtually entire match. Rating: 3.
VINNIE GRELLA: His indifferent form continues. Ineffective, couldn’t really get the defensive line set in the right place, and sacrificed after 45 minutes for a more attacking option. Rating: 4.
CARL VALERI: Surprise selection who looked comfortable when on the ball moving team forward. Not so comfortable when wave after wave of German pressure bore down on him like a Panzer division. Rating: 5.
BRETT EMERTON: The only Socceroo who measured up to his best. Tried hard to get things going down right and did all he had to well. Sadly, it was not enough. Rating: 7.
TIM CAHILL: Without doubt his worst game for his country. Barely touched ball and ineffective. Then sent off – probably harshly – for a challenge which warranted only yellow. Now misses must-win match against Ghana. Rating: 4.
JASON CULINA: Played in unfamiliar role on left in first half and struggled badly as Ozil cut him to shreds. Better when moved into defensive role second half but damage done. Rating: 4.
RICHARD GARCIA: Surprise selection who battled manfully in unfamiliar role as striker. Workrate can’t be faulted but one wonders where his best position is for the Socceroos – and if it’s in the starting 11. Rating: 6.
Substitutes:
BRETT HOLMAN: Gave his usual burst of early second half energy when he replaced Grella. But faded out of the match when team was reduced to 10 men. Rating: 5.
NIKITA RUKAVYTSYA: Brought on surprisingly ahead of Harry Kewell for Garcia, and had about as much on-field impact as the people in Row C. Rating: 4.
MILE JEDINAK: Late substitution for last 15 minutes. No rating.
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