Australia’s campaign at the 2017 FIFA Confederations Cup was a mixed bag.

The Socceroos were outplayed by Germany, struggled at times against Cameroon and then took the game to Chile – almost collecting a win in the process.

Australia’s outstanding performance against the South American champions showed positive signs of progress.

But the final outcome remains: Australia has failed to go beyond the group stage in their third consecutive FIFA tournament.

Attention now turns to the forthcoming World Cup qualifiers against Japan and Thailand.

Who has secured their spot in coach Ange Postecogou’s squad with strong performances in Russia. Which players might face the cut?

Here’s how one FourFourTwo correspondent at the tournament rated the players.

Mat Ryan (3 starts) – 7.5: Ryan was world class against Chile, single-handedly keeping Australia in the game on several occasions. His double-save in the seventh minute was particularly impressive. There was room for improvement in Ryan’s defensive marshalling throughout the tournament, and he was caught unprepared by Cameroon’s goal, but overall the custodian strengthened his claim to the Socceroos gloves in Russia.

Mat Ryan

Mark Milligan (3 starts) – 8: Australia’s stand-in captain for two games in the tournament, Milligan was a standout player for the Socceroos. He played in Tom Rogic for a goal against Germany and calmly converted a penalty versus Cameroon. But it was at the final game in Moscow that Milligan was truly exceptional. He controlled Alexis Sanchez for most of the match, and executed a millimetre-perfect tackle when the Arsenal forward was through on goal. Milligan also demonstrated his leadership capabilities and may well regain the armband if Jedinak’s injury woes continue.

Trent Sainsbury (3 starts) – 6: Sainsbury had a shocker against the world champions, slipping in the lead-up to their opening goal and struggling to regain composure as the match progressed. But the 25-year-old played with great physicality against a tough Cameroon side and then looked assured against Chile. Sainsbury needs to work on his finishing – he missed golden opportunities against both Germany and the South Americans. But given he has had just 20 minutes of game time for his club since January, Sainsbury deserves some praise for his Confederations Cup campaign.