Socceroos player ratings vs Saudi Arabia: Mat Ryan saves Australia with huge performance

Kieran Francis

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Socceroos player ratings vs Saudi Arabia: Mat Ryan saves Australia with huge performance image

The Socceroos had plenty of chances but only managed to hold on against resurgent Saudi Arabia to draw 0-0 in the World Cup qualifier at CommBank Stadium on Thursday night.

It was a game of swings-and-roundabouts with Australia enjoying large periods of possession and chances but Saudi Arabia rallied late to create several of their own opportunities.

Several Socceroos had good nights, including goalkeeper Mat Ryan, but some struggled to have an impact in Australia's first game at home in 763 days,

Here's how we rated the Socceroos players against Saudi Arabia...

Maty Ryan 9

An absolute rock at the back. Was in the right position to save two Saudi low drives on goal and dove acrobatically to save an effort that was goal-bound in the top corner.

Rhyan Grant 6

Worked hard as always but failed to have much impact on the game in the attacking third. Defended solidly however.

Harry Souttar 7

Was the leader of the defence at the back until he went off injured with a suspected knee injury. Played some great diagonal passes to set up attacks also.

Trent Sainsbury 6

Played a part of the clean sheet that Australia got. Looked at sea on a couple of occasions late in the second half but it didn't prove costly in the end.

Aziz Behich 6

Got himself into several strong attacking positions but his decision making and crossing ability lacked on every occasions. Defended better than the Japan game.

James Jeggo 7

A surprise selection in midfield but performed admirably through the first half and early part of the second period, linking with Hrustic and rarely giving away the ball.

Jackson Irvine 6

May lack technical quality but put in a solid shift and won the ball back crucially on several occasions. Should have scored when presented with a squared chance in the six-yard box.

Ajdin Hrustic 6

Looked a class above at several times with his range of passing and movement but couldn't produce that moment of magic to create a chance for the Socceroos and faded in the second half.

Martin Boyle 7

Was the closest Socceroo to scoring with a stinging drive that was just saved with the foot of the Saudi goalkeeper. Worked tirelessly but was targeted with fouls by the Saudis and got frustrated.

Awer Mabil 6

Struggled with his first touch and his dribbling ability in one-on-one situations. Is a great player but needs to improve his consistency.

Mathew Leckie 5

Looked like he hadn't played a competitive match in a while, which was the case, but also wasn't given much quality service in the penalty area. Had one chance from a tight angle which was well saved.

Substitutes: Mitch Duke5, Andrew Nabbout 5, Milos Degenek 6, Kenny Dougall N/A, Riley McGree N/A

Kieran Francis

Kieran Francis Photo

Kieran Francis is a senior editor at The Sporting News based in Melbourne, Australia. He started at Sportal.com.au before being a part of the transition to Sporting News in 2015. Just prior to the 2018 World Cup, he was appointed chief editor of Goal.com in Australia. He has now returned to The Sporting News where his passions lay in football, AFL, poker and cricket - when he is not on holiday.