The Socceroos have put in yet another humiliating performance as part of their World Cup qualifying process, drawing with Oman in Sydney.
Here are the player performance ratings from the match.
Mark Schwarzer – 7.0
Played with great reflexes and position and despite receiving little of the ball, he saved well and was simply unlucky with both goals conceded against him. During the final minutes of the game, he appeared to be one of the only players trying to get the ball forward.
Luke Wilkshire – 5.0
Did alright as a defender but never moved the ball fast enough. He would receive the ball and instantly look to the crowded middle of the field when there was an abundance of space ahead of him. Did alright crossing in the late stages though.
Michael Thwaite – 5.5
Did not use his strength at all during the opening goal meaning that Schwarzer practically faced the shot alone. However an outstanding run from halfway prevented another goal excellently. Looked quite solid in the air
Robert Cornthwaite – 4.0
Did very little to justify his call-up. He and Thwaite lacked the pace to deal with the Oman side and the defence was always being torn apart by the pacey Oman players who played to their strengths.
Matt McKay – 3.5
The second goal was almost entirely his fault. He lost the ball easily, passed to no one and defended atrociously. He gave no advantage to the Australian attack and had a more energetic player been in his position, Australia may have played a very different game.
Mile Jedinak – 7.5
Despite scoring an own goal, Jedinak was one of the best players for Australia. He attacked well, defended with aggression and strength and ultimately ruled the middle of the park. Got to a header that went wide but his impressive display was what kept Australia in the game.
James Holland – 7.0
It was certainly a surprise to see Holland brought off and he would have been disappointed that his replacement did not stay on the field long. He played good balls to his attackers and complimented Jedinak well with his more attacking approach.
Alex Brosque – 4.5
You would have been forgiven if you got to the end of the game, only to see Brosque on the field. He was nowhere to be seen. He was slow on the wing and only played in a few decent chances. When he received the ball in the box, he would panic and often lose it. Why he wasn’t substituted is anyone’s guess.
Brett Holman – 6.5
Yes, his goal was incredible and yes, it saved Australia, but it was uncharacteristic of his overall performance. He lacked the quality we know he has and often would be caught losing the ball or passing it to Oman.
Robbie Kruse – 6.5
Not one of his best games but there were flashes of brilliance including an incredible dribble into the box. However he didn’t use enough of his pace and consequently his lack of strength was exploited.
Tim Cahill – 8.0
Who else but Cahill? He played with such attacking vigour and got to many of the cross and corners placed in his direction. Was harassed in the box considerably by the Oman players yet always managed to rise above them.
An unlucky call against him after a shot on target meant that he may have missed out on scoring the winner for Australia.
Substitutes: Mark Bresciano – 5.0
Came on and then went off. He did very little in the middle however his character bought a new attitude to the fans and players. The entire stadium cheered when he came on and applauded his decision to limp off rather than waste the stretcher.
Archie Thompson – 6.0
He added pace and brought a new energy to the attack. He disappointed in some places but his inclusion had nothing but a positive effect on the game.
Tommy Oar – 7.5
His pace, dribbling and crossing made Australia look deadly in the final stages. It was his pass that gave Holman his goal and he was in the top three best players on the field, despite only playing for 15 minutes.
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