Socceroos player ratings vs UAE: Hrustic, Irvine star as Australia get through to World Cup playoff final against Peru

Kieran Francis

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Socceroos player ratings vs UAE: Hrustic, Irvine star as Australia get through to World Cup playoff final against Peru image

The Socceroos have made it to the final hurdle in World Cup qualifying after a thrilling 2-1 win against the UAE at Al Rayyan Stadium in Doha, Qatar.

Ajdin Hrustic lashed home a volley in the 84th minute to seal Australia's progression to the final World Cup playoff against Peru on Tuesday June 14 (AEST).

Earlier, Jackson Irvine had given the Socceroos a lead just after half-time before the advantage was cancelled out by Caio Canedo three minutes later.

Here's how we rated the Socceroos players against UAE...

Maty Ryan 8

The Socceroos captain made several crucial blocks throughout the 90 minutes and couldn't do much about UAE's equaliser.

Nathaniel Atkinson 4

Earning his second cap for Australia, Atkinson was regularly exposed by UAE winger Harib Abdalla Suhail getting in behind. He will likely be a good player for the national team in his career but struggled over the 90 minutes.

Bailey Wright 6

An experienced campaigner drafted into the defensive two after Trent Sainsbury was ruled out. Was dependable throughout the match.

Kye Rowles 7

Earning only his second cap also, Rowles performed solidly after being a surprise selection ahead of Milos Degenek in the back two. Had a half chance to score from a cross but couldn't quite get his head to the ball.

Aziz Behich 6

Often a whipping boy among Australian fans, Behich had a solid game with no mistakes and got forward down the left to be a threat.

Jackson Irvine 8

A wonderful performance from the dour Socceroos midfielder. Continued to make dangerous runs from midfield and was rewarded with a goal after an excellent finish from close range.

Aaron Mooy 7

Despite having barely played in the last six months, Mooy lasted the entire 90 minutes and kept the Socceroos ticking over in midfield.

Ajdin Hrustic 8

It wasn't Hrustic's best game for Australia but he orchestrated the most crucial moment of the game with a sizzling volley earning the Socceroos victory with only minutes to play. He will need to be at his best for the green and gold to have any chance of progressing to the Qatar 2022.

Martin Boyle 8

Australia's most dangerous player by an absolute mile. Worked tirelessly down the right to create opportunities. Laid a superb assist on for Irvine's opener.

Craig Goodwin 6

Had a decent game but missed a golden chance on the volley at the back post in the second half. Needs to be more convincing with both his delivery and finishing at international level.

Mathew Leckie 6

Not his best performance for Australia. Worked hard throughout the game but struggled to have a significant impact on the match.

Substitutes: Jamie Maclaren 7, Milos Degenek N/A, Awer Mabil 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.