Rating Australia's dismal performance against Oman

By William McInnes / Roar Pro

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.

The Crowd Says:

AUTHOR

2013-04-01T03:22:01+00:00

William McInnes

Roar Pro


I don't think youth can be blamed by any means. In fact the young players out there, (Oar, Kruse, Holland, etc.) probably performed the best out of everyone. I think that Holger is simply looking to point the finger. He is a fantastic coach who is having to deal with a team going through a transitional period a year out from a world cup. He is a great coach but the World Cup (if we make it) will surely be a test for him.

2013-03-29T14:15:53+00:00

max green

Guest


fair enough. when you look at the game and your ratings what do you make of holger blaming the youth? i mean which youth struggled? wilkshire, brosque, mckay, and the CB's are not youth. Aside from the general lack of pressure (and will to be there) displayed in the first half, it looks like these guys let the team down. doesn't it make wonder what holger is thinking?

AUTHOR

2013-03-29T00:08:04+00:00

William McInnes

Roar Pro


I think Holland was simply playing the game he was told to in a formation that simply didn't work for him. He was the passing man and made many successful plays but when his teammates were standing so far away with so many players between, it made it difficult.

2013-03-28T14:00:54+00:00

max green

Guest


Finally someone that watched the same game as me - a reasonable analysis of the players. Jedinak was one of the few performers in the first half. a stand out in a pedestrian team. shame about the own goal, and every idiot that wrote him of because of it. the only player i'd disagree with is holland, he struggled in the heat, he was drenched when the omani's hadn't even cracked a sweat. the formation was the let down (cheers holger) and holland suffered in it. Bresc should have started and been replaced by holland when we had a lead.

2013-03-27T22:52:30+00:00

Cameron

Roar Guru


I agree with you 100% there. Perhaps its time to go? Not much longer till our next WCQ and every match is now more vital than ever. I still saw enough there on Tuesday to suggest we can make it, but it was clear there was no real idea what they were doing. I believe the players said they didn't sick to the game plan? I wonder why? Perhaps they thought they would lose? They're professional athletes and should be listening, shouldn't they? Its clear to most of us but the problem doesn't solely ly with the playing group. HO in my opinion has to go. Constantly excuses see being afforded. I'm kinda over these excuses and would like to see a win, which I know Australia can do.

2013-03-27T22:44:46+00:00

Titus

Guest


It's a bit of both really but it all adds up to what we had on Tuesday and Holger is the one who needs to take responsibility or it.

2013-03-27T22:35:32+00:00

Cameron

Roar Guru


Does this come down to the players themselves or the selection decisions made by Holger Osieck? I honestly believe if these players were being played in their more comfortable position then players like McKay might be able to excel or at least perform to a standard which fans find appealing.

2013-03-27T22:28:54+00:00

Titus

Guest


You can't replicate gametime. To have one or two players who are a bit rusty is one thing but to have most of the team in that situation is madness, the first 30mins was like watching the players learn how to walk again by the end they were just too buggered.

2013-03-27T22:24:28+00:00

Cameron

Roar Guru


How many players in that team are actually getting quality game time? Not many, I can tell you that. If HO was better than what he was then these problems could be solved in camp and whilst playing.

2013-03-27T22:19:00+00:00

Titus

Guest


McKay isn't getting gametime in an uknown Chinese team, he sholdn't be getting picked until he sorts his club fom out.

2013-03-27T22:12:20+00:00

Cameron

Roar Guru


The biggest problem with the team is the selections and positioning. Matt McKay is much better in central midfield and is not being utilised to fulfil his potential. He is my favourite player and I really feel for him. He's worked so hard in the past three years just for the national coach to ultimately waste him as a player in the national set-up.

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