Jackson Irvine - 5

Couldn’t keep possession. Seemed panicked under pressure and committed one shocking first-half turnover – luckily for the Socceroos, the ball ricocheted off the referee and the counter attack was averted. 

Grew into the contest somewhat in the second half but didn’t give the back four enough protection from Syria’s midfield runners.

Awer Mabil – 7

Virtually absent from the contest until his brilliant goal – a curling left-footed effort into the top corner. 

Shied away from a crucial 50/50 challenge before Khribin scored. A threat in transition, and fed a great pass to Giannou before being sacrificed for Kruse.

Tom Rogic - 9

Australia’s best player by an absolute mile – considered and constructive in possession and cool under pressure. 

Teed up Ikonomidis’ goal with a cruise missile of a pass, and sealed the game with a sweet, sweet strike from outside the area. A truly inspirational performance to drag his side to victory – quite possibly his best game in the green and gold.

Chris Ikonomidis – 7.5

Another who struggled in the first half. His set pieces were most often worked short and fizzled out very tamely. Much better in the second, combining with Behich and making a terrific run for the goal – although it owed more to the laser-guided assist from Rogic.

Jamie Maclaren – 5.5

Had several great chances in the first half, including a sitter of a header that he really should have put away. More involved in general play than his absentee performance against Jordan but simply couldn’t find the elusive finishing touch. Substituted for Giannou in the 68th minute.

Subs:

Apostolos Giannou – 6.5

A lively cameo from the Cyprus-based target man, who had several opportunities as the game became stretched. Desperately unlucky to hit the inside of the post with a well-struck shot, and his first touch let him down a few times.

Robbie Kruse – 7

Very calm when most around him were nervy. Helped the side keep possession to take the pressure off in the dying minutes, and defended very well from the front.

Matt Jurman – N/A

Subbed on too late for a rating.