The Socceroos were forced to settle for a 1-1 draw with China in World Cup qualifying on Wednesday morning (AEDT).
Graham Arnold made two changes to his starting side for the clash with both players, including one doubted by many, justifying their inclusion.
Elsewhere, a few players faltered at the wrong time as Australia stumbled again on the road to Qatar.
Here's how we rated the Socceroos players against China...
Maty Ryan 7
Called upon multiple times at the back and did well to come out and disarm a few Chinese ventures forward. Could do nothing about the well-taken penalty.
Rhyan Grant 5
Defended his right flank well but was let down by his deliveries into the final third.
Milos Degenek 7
Called into replace Harry Souttar and barely put a foot wrong. Stood tall when needed at the back and was a solid outlet with the ball.
Trent Sainsbury 6
Playing alongside a new centre-back partner, Sainsbury was guilty of a few stray passes but did what was needed of him defensively.
Aziz Behich 7
Got forward well and was a better outlet moving forward than Grant.
James Jeggo 5
Pinged for an unfortunate handball that led to China's equaliser and struggled to leave his mark on the match.
Jackson Irvine 6
A scrappy performance from the midfielder. Missed a good early chance but manned the middle of the park with his typical physicality.
Ajdin Hrustic 8
Guilty of a few costly turnovers but made amends with some brilliant balls forward. Remains one of the Socceroos sharpest and most dynamic players in attack.
Martin Boyle 7
Was sprightly as always going forward when given the chance and claimed the assist for Australia's only goal.
Mathew Leckie 6
Got into a few dangerous positions but let down by his final touch and finish as a lack of recent club action took their toll.
Mitch Duke 8
Worked hard without the ball and took his goal well after finally getting a good cross into the box. His selection was questioned by some with Jamie Maclaren on the bench but Duke justified his selection with a vital strike and his fifth goal in 2022 World Cup qualifying.
Into the team and onto the scoresheet ⚽️@mitchduke8 nods home the opener against China.
— Socceroos (@Socceroos) November 16, 2021
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