A returning star proved what the Socceroos had been largely missing while a new face showed what he’s capable of as Australia held on for a 1-1 draw against Uzbekistan in their final Group B encounter at the Asian Cup.
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Mat Ryan – 5
Once again, Ryan had very little to do with his hands but couldn’t keep out Uzbekistan’s goal, a header from point blank range.
Aziz Behich – 4.5
Unfortunately Behich isn’t blessed with the height of his defensive partners and it cost him dearly after he was easily outjumped by Azizbek Turgunboev for Uzbekistan’s goal.
The left back also got outmuscled off the ball far too easily at times and his crossing was largely ineffectual, although his forward runs helped attract markers to free up his teammates.
Harry Souttar – 5
It certainly wasn’t Souttar’s finest game for the Socceroos.
The gangly giant passed a ball straight to the feet of an Uzbekistani midfielder which lead to an immediate breakaway but Souttar managed to get back in time and deliver a perfectly-timed sliding tackle.
He was booked in the 50th minute for a collision on the outside of Australia’s box, although it looked as if he had simply stood his ground when trying to make the challenge.
Kye Rowles – 6
Rowles was the more composed of the centre back pairing, distributing the ball well to his teammates.
The Hearts man was never forced to make any drastic defensive actions either.
Nathaniel Atkinson – 5
Making his first start of the tournament, Atkinson certainly did enough to show he deserves to retain his spot, although it would have taken something extremely dire for Gethin Jones to return to the squad assuming he is fully fit.
Atkinson led the team with five tackles although he was at times caught out of position and failed to close down the cross that led to the equaliser
Came off in the 94th minute for Lewis Miller.
Keanu Baccus – 5
Returned to the lineup in place of Aiden O’Neill, Baccus was perhaps a little bit off compared to his impressive showings against India and Syria.
He gave away a team-leading three fouls but also won three fouls, highlighting the tightrope he walks when playing in terms of discipline.
Gave away a needless foul midway through the second half out of frustration which almost led to an Uzbekistan goal as the Aussies were saved by the offside flag.
Came off in 84th minute for O’Neill.
Jackson Irvine – 4.5
Unfortunately for Irvine his goalscoring streak at the Asian Cup came to an end against Uzbekistan.
It wasn’t the midfielder’s finest showing, sometimes turning into trouble, trying to thread the needle in low-percentage plays or taking too long to pass the ball and allowing Uzbekistan players to swarm Irvine’s intended passing target.
Irvine did make some key challenges and provided a box-to-box presence but ultimately he didn’t have a major impact on the contest.
Riley McGree – 7
Having impressed off the bench in the first two games, McGree was handed a starting berth several pundits and fans had clamoured for.
The Middlesbrough man should have got on the scoresheet but he dragged his shot wide after Kusini Yengi found his feet with a perfect cutback.
He was certainly the Socceroo most capable of delivering a moment of magic and attempted to spark the team into action with some driving runs towards the Uzbekistani defenders.
McGree certainly did enough to retain his sport in the starting lineup although he picked up a needless yellow card in the 70th minute.
Came off in 84th minute for Bruno Fornaroli.
Jordan Bos – 6.5
Starting over Craig Goodwin at left wing once again, Bos showed plenty of positivity with the ball at his feet.
He looked to whip in crosses when he had space out on the left and had Yengi to aim for but also wasn’t afraid to take on his opposite marker.
Came off in 94th minute for Marco Tilio.
Kusini Yengi – 7
Handed the tall ask of replacing workhorse Mitchell Duke up front, Yengi showed promise that he could be the Socceroos’ solution once Duke eventually exits the international stage.
The Portsmouth man offered a solid physical presence up top but struggled with his bounce passes, as a heavy touch gifted the ball back to Uzbekistan on a number of occasions.
It was also Yengi’s silky footwork that resulted in the Socceroos’ goal, even if it was a little contentious.
Martin Boyle – 6
Boyle finally got his first tournament goal for the Socceroos, stepping up to send the goalkeeper the wrong way from the penalty spot in first half stoppage time.
His rapid pace almost led to Umar Eshmurodov being sent off for potentially denying Boyle a goalscoring opportunity.
Outside of those moments and a handful of times when he cut in off the right flank, Boyle didn’t offer a massive attacking spark.
Came off for Connor Metcalfe in 72nd minute.
SUBSTITUTES
Connor Metcalfe – 5
Came on for Martin Boyle in the 72nd minute.
Metcalfe tried to stretch the Uzbekistan backline but couldn’t work his way into the game.
Bruno Fornaroli – 5
Came on in 84th minute for Riley McGree.
Completed just two passes in his time on the field, although he did his best to work hard off the ball.
Aiden O’Neill – 5
Came on in 84th minute for Keanu Baccus.
Tasked with helping the Socceroos see out the game, O’Neill did the job.
There wasn’t much else to his performance.
Marco Tilio – N/A
Came on in 94th minute for Jordan Bos.
Tried to show some attacking endeavour in the final stages of the contest but had little impact.
Lewis Miller – N/A
Came on in 94th minute for Nathaniel Atkinson.
Didn’t get much of a chance to do anything.
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