Chris Ikonomidis – 7.5

A tricky customer for UAE to deal with, and his set piece delivery was consistently dangerous. Had a good opportunity in the first half but his left-footed effort lacked conviction. Just short of a crucial cutting edge in the game’s final throes.

Robbie Kruse – 8

Australia’s best player. Tremendous work rate as usual, and provided some incisive forward runs. Thought he’d won a penalty in the first half, but the referee dismissed it and the VAR opted not to review. A particularly brilliant dribble through a tight area set Ikonomidis through, but only resulted in a corner. Unlucky to be substituted after an impressive display.

Jamie Maclaren – 6

Teed up well by Grant’s clipped cross, but couldn’t quite get enough purchase on his header. Far less isolated than in previous matches, with the lines more stretched and teammates closer to him.

But did he ever really look like troubling the scorers? Replaced after an hour by Leckie.

Apostolos Giannou – 7

Threw his weight around upfront, inadvertently injuring a UAE defender in the process. Held the ball up well and supported Maclaren. Decent effort on his left foot forced Eisa into action, but it was at a very saveable height for the keeper.

Had the ball in the net in the second half but Leckie was ruled offside in the build-up. Australia could’ve used his height with the late barrage of long balls.

Subs

Mat Leckie – 6

Teed up Giannou with a knockdown, but was correctly adjudged offside and the goal was disallowed. Headed over from a corner when promisingly placed. Clashed heads with Juma at the end of the game and mis-controlled a volley at the far post with his head swathed in bandages.

Awer Mabil – 6

A foot wide of the top corner when he tried to curl one. Attempted a Ronaldo-style free kick from distance but hit the wall.

Andrew Nabbout – 5

Coming back from injury, Nabbout looked so rusty he might as well not have stepped on the pitch. How must Massimo Luongo feel with a half-fit player promoted ahead of him?