Two draws and one loss against world class opposition in Russia has seen the Caltex Socceroos bow out of the FIFA Confederations Cup.
We ranked our favourite 10 Socceroos based on performance over the three matches!
10. Alex GERSBACH (Club: Rosenborg BK, Norweigan Eliteserien)
The Rosenborg full-back only played the one game against Cameroon in the tournament but was an absolute revelation at left-back. Charging runs down the line, water-tight in defence and of course, winning the all important penalty that led to Mark Milligan’s equaliser.
9. Massimo LUONGO (Club: Queens Park Rangers, English Championship)
Luongo was subbed at half-time v Germany after an underwhelming performance, but the 2014 AFC Asian Cup Golden Ball winner showed his quality against Chile. Held his own against Bayern Munich midfielder Arturo Vidal and Chile’s midfield engine.
8. Mat RYAN (Club: Brighton & Hove Albion, English Premier League)
Perhaps there wasn’t a stand out save by Ryan in the tournament, but the goalkeeper often led from the back when the Aussie defence looked shaky. His distribution was second to none in the tournament – a great acquistion for Brighton and Hove Albion in the English Premier League next season.
7. Robbie KRUSE (Free Agent)
Considering the injury-ravaged winger hasn’t played football in a while, Kruse looked strong on the ball throughout the tournament. Made a great impact off the bench against Germany and continued to be a great attacking outlet as the Aussies pressed forward.
6. Tom ROGIC (Club: Celtic FC, Scottish Premiership)
Disappointing not to see the Celtic man feature in the final game in Moscow but mercurial nonetheless. Was the catalyst against World Champions Germany, powering a great strike past Bernd Leno to help the Socceroos equalise.
5. Jackson IRVINE (Club: Burton Albion, English Championship)
After a short cameo against Cameroon, Irvine was at his sparkling best against Chile. A nightmare for Arturo Vidal and Pablo Hernandez all match, the Burton Albion man was aggressive in the tackle and set the tone for a rugged performance against the South American champions. Keep an eye on him in our remaining qualifiers.
4. Tomi JURIC (Club: FC Luzern, Swiss Super League)
Tomi Juric did a good job of cementing his spot upfront for the Socceroos if the national team makes it to the World Cup; he was dynamic, a crucial part of our link up play and an instinctive striker, scoring from close range against Germany.
3. James TROISI (Free Agent)
What a game the Hyundai A-League midfielder had against the Chileans; he was a class above in his attacking play. His lofted passes to Luongo and Maclaren should have been scored and of course, the gorgeous, classy, little dink over Chile’s captain and most capped player Claudio Bravo. A free agent and a very, very hot prospect for clubs in the transfer window.
2. Mark MILLIGAN (Club: Baniyas, UAE’s Arabian Gulf League)
Assured in all three games and an experienced head when it counted. Did a great job on Alexis Sanchez throughout the Chile match, calmly dispatched a penalty against Cameroon and one of the few that stood up against the Germans in game 1. A leader of men on the pitch.
1. Trent SAINSBURY (Club: Jiangsu Suning, Chinese Super League)
When the tide was completely turned against the Socceroos, Sainsbury was often the man to put in the last ditch challenge and save the Socceroos. The West Australian was superb in all three matches and looks to be Australia’s first choice defender for years to come.
Did we get it right? Let us know who you would’ve picked on our social media channels!
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