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Australia secured qualification into the 2014 FIFA World Cup with a 1-0 victory over Iraq on Tuesday night in Sydney.
A late Josh Kennedy header was enough for the Socceroos to book their spot in Rio.Here are my player rating for the Socceroos from tonight’s game.
Mark Schwarzer: Not much action in the first half. Forced into action early in the second half pulling off a great save. And once again punching the ball clear in the final minutes. Kept another clean sheet, can’t ask for much more. 8/10.
Lucas Neill: The Australian captain had a good game in defence. Pushed forward once again tonight and does look a threat in defence. Stayed solid as the Iraq defence put the pressure on late in the match, but did enough and will captain Australia for the second time at a World Cup. 7/10.
Tim Cahill: Like always pops out of no where to create opportunities and is the best aerial player. Ball from the midfield was poor tonight not helping Cahill, but the star player had a solid match. Was controversially replaced to make way for Kennedy in a big call from coach Osieck. 6/10.
Mark Milligan: Provided good balls through to the forwards. Was solid in defence as well cutting down the Iraq attack, creating attacking opportunities from the counter. 7/10.
Sasa Ogenovski: Wasn’t his best game for the Socceroos. He was scrappy in defence, turning over the ball in dangerous situations and fouled unnecessarily. Made too many careless mistakes. 4/10.
Luke Wilkshire: Had a disappointing game tonight. Pushed forward at times but his positional play was off and lacked precision on some of his passes. 5/10.
Robbie Kruse: Played solidly, creating opportunities, but struggled under the slippery surface made worse by rain. Still has a lot to learn at the top level, and did lack execution at times. 6/10.
Tommy Oar: My ‘man of the match‘ tonight. He had a blinder causing headaches to the Iraq defence making his runs down the left wing. Was quick on the ball and came through with strong attacking plays. 9/10.
Brett Holman: Had purpose with his attack coming forward, creating some good opportunities. 6/10.
Matt McKay: Looked shaky in defence tonight. Came up with some poor crosses and failed to inspire. 5/10.
Mark Bresciano: Setup the match winner with his cross to Kennedy. Fought well for the ball through the midfield. Would of liked to have seen him on the ball more but his experience shone through late. 7/10.
Substitutes:
Tommy Rogic: The youngster came on in the 60th minute as the X-Factor. Made an immediate impact with fresh legs in attack, but does maybe lack some decision making on the ball and shooting. 6/10.
Josh Kennedy: Th saviour! Came on for Cahill under huge pressure in his first match for Australia since 2011 in the 80th minute and brilliantly headed in the match winner. 9/10.
Archie Thompson: Came on as a late replacement and did nothing wrong, making his mark in attack. 7/10.
Coach – Holger Osieck: Made two big decisions to bring youngster Tommy Rogic on in the 60th minute and replaced Cahill with Kennedy, and he was vindicated with Kennedy scoring the match winner. 10/10.
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