MAT RYAN - 6

Didn’t stay big for Syria’s first effort and it cost him. Was rarely involved after that.

MATTHEW JURMAN - 8

Almost caught out early by Syria’s forward colossus Omar Al Somah, but quick to react to loose balls when the Socceroos pushed forward, and was important to Australia’s early dominance down their left side.

TRENT SAINSBURY - 6.5

Sacrificed for Syria’s first goal by a poor Mark Milligan giveaway. Lost his nerve late in the match and his poor distribution spread throughout the side.

MILOS DEGENEK - 6

Caught for pace early by Syria’s Mardik Mardikian, and constantly needed assistance to deal with the right hand side.

It’s questionable whether Degenek has the positioning to compensate for his lack of mobility, but he doesn't lack confidence - an 118th minute (successful) slide tackle from behind in Australia's penalty area proved that.

BRAD SMITH

Wasn’t on long enough to give a fair rating.

 

ROBBIE KRUSE - 6.5

Even when he plays well, Kruse rarely looks convincing. He seems to have little confidence in his own technical ability, which led him to give the ball away going forward, deliver poor crosses and miss shooting opportunities.

However, you can see why Ange wants him in the team. His work-rate is underrated, and the Socceroos desperately require a pacey forward with his positional intelligence. In a match as tight as this, the fact one of the few quality crosses he did provide ended in a goal is a bittersweet reward for Socceroos fans.

MARK MILLIGAN - 5

Seemed to genuinely suffer from playing the full away leg in Malaysia. Gave the ball away for Syria’s first goal and looked downtrodden after that, failing to keep Australia moving from midfield. Could have given away a second goal with the same mistake in extra time, but also made some telling interceptions.

Picked up a second yellow card, which means he misses the match against Panama or Honduras. His loss will be hugely significant.

JAMES TROISI - 6

Patchy, but important. Warmed his way into the match, hit quick through balls to Leckie on the right and created a strong scoring opportunity by his own volition.

Not a consistent enough presence in the box and looked shaky under pressure. Withdrawn mid way through the second half.

TOM ROGIC - 7

Heavily involved. Ange clearly instructs his players to take time on the ball, which suits Rogic and Aaron Mooy perfectly, less so many of Australia’s defenders.

Missed a few opportunities in the second, but he was the only Australian taking on shots.

MATTHEW LECKIE - 7

A great cross to assist Cahill for Australia’s first and he saw a lot of the ball on the right, but couldn’t penetrate regularly enough – despite notching over 70% possession in the first half, the Socceroos only had 11 incursions into the Syrian penalty area. He was less involved in the second, but overall he was Australia's most consistent provider of crosses.

TIM CAHILL - 9

When you study Tim Cahill’s forehead, as future Australian generations undoubtedly will, you can see it’s clearly designed to head the ball.

Looked isolated and suffered from Australia’s inability to find him in the second half, ended up offering a lot more pointing and complaining then the leadership and controlled aggression he was in the side for.

Put simply, he wasn’t named as captain for this fixture because of his personality, or because he can run a game, he’s captain because he scores goals. At the end of the day, that’s what gets you to World Cups.

AARON MOOY - 8

The boat was rocking, but Mooy steadied the ship. He holds the ball, finds forward runs, rarely gives away possession, is strong in challenges and has an exquisite passing range.

When Australia desperately needed quality delivery from the left side in the second half, nobody could offer it, including Mooy. But he was at the centre of Australia's ability to retain possession and kept Australia moving at times when Australia's midfield looked lost.

NIKITA RUKAVYTSA - 7

Gave Australia their two best opportunities of the second half, but was too quiet for a late introduction. Hindered by Australia’s stilted play, he didn’t have the confidence or the ability to spark Australia into action.

It’s asking too much from a speedy winger to overcome systemic errors, but poor crosses and sluggish combinations with Mooy summed up his involvement.  

TOMI JURIC - 6

Subbed on for Rogic, rather than Cahill early in extra time signalling Australia’s more direct intentions. Won a header almost immediately and drew a defender for Cahill's goal, but wasn't involved enough to give a fair rating.