The Socceroos’ nil-all draw with Paraguay in San Francisco was enough to see them through to the knockout rounds.
Coach Tony Popovic swung six changes from his starting line-up to face the US last time out, so the team had a very different look.
Here’s how each Australian player rated on the day, out of 10.
Socceroos (formation 5-4-1)
18. Patrick Beach (goalkeeper)
Made the odd save and had to defuse some horror back passes in the second half. Did what he had to do. 7.5
16. Aziz Behich (left wing-back)
Threatened down the left flank and rode some physical tackles. Played with the drive you would expect from a veteran international, although he made a couple of dodgy passes in second half. 6.5
3. Alessandro Circati (centre back)
Assured as always, albeit with little to do. Made a few moves forward as the game went on. 7
19. Harry Souttar (centre back)
Took a painful blow to the ribs but continued to call the shots in defence. Rarely tested in the middle. Once again, the playmakers couldn’t find him with their few corner kicks. 7
25. Lucas Herrington (centre back)
Played beyond his 18 years and was rarely hurried. Made the right decision on most occasions. Youngest Socceroo to start in a World Cup game, this shouldn’t be his last appearance at this tournament. 7
5. Jordan Bos (right wingback)
Took on an inverted role on the right and teamed dangerously with Cristian Volpato. Constantly a threat, had two great chances in the second half. Best player on the day and his best game so far, perhaps his ideal spot is on the right. 8.5
13. Aiden O’Neill (midfield)
Stood solid yet again in front of the defence and won his share of battles. 7
22. Jackson Irvine (midfield)
Flung himself into the contest with the first shot on goal and made several switching passes. Rightly yellow-carded for a late tackle in the second half. One of the Socceroos’ best. 7.5
8. Connor Metcalfe (midfield)
Left bloodied after a back heel to the face but battled on. Didn’t have the chances to pass and create that he had in earlier games. 6.5
20. Cristian Volpato (midfield)
Threatened the Paraguayans from the start with his dribbles and feints. Struggled to land his corner kicks in dangerous spots. Replaced just before the hour but will continue to improve. 7.5
17. Nestory Irankunda (striker)
Was left to do the heavy work with Mohamed Toure on the bench, which restricted his chances to run at the defence. Finally found room to run after the hour, but his shots went wide. Would he be more dangerous in a wide role? 7
Substitutes
10. Ajdin Hrustic
Replaced Volpato in another surprise Popovic move. He threatened at times, made a lovely pass to Tete Yengi that should have been a goal. 6.5
26. Tete Yengi
Replaced Irankunda late. Had a late chance to win it but couldn’t generate enough power, he will be thinking about that one tonight. 6
24. Paul Okon-Engstler
Replaced Irvine. Came on late, didn’t get many chances. Should be fresh for the round of 32 game. 6
