Socceroos players rated as Australia qualifies for fifth World Cup in a row after beating Peru

Who starred for the Socceroos? Every player rated as Australia qualifies for its fifth consecutive World Cup

  • Australia are on their way to their fifth World Cup in a row after beating Peru
  • It took a nail-biting penalty shoot out after 120 minutes of goalless stalemate
  • Hero was Australia’s goalkeeper subbed on at the last moment for the spot kicks 

It took a nail-biting penalty shootout after 120 minutes of stalemate – but Australia have made it to the fifth World Cup in a row after an epic qualifying campaign.

Here’s how the Socceroos rated in the 0-0 clincher against Peru which Australia won 5-4 on penalties.

MAT RYAN – 7

Barely tested all night but on the few occasions Peru unleashed a shot on target, he was safe hands. Replaced for the penalties in a shock, but ultimately, successful move by coach Graham Arnold.

Kye Rowles had an absolute standout shift in just his third Socceroos match

KYE ROWLES – 9

An absolute standout in the backline for Australia just days after making his Socceroos debut and signing for Hearts in Scotland. Big future ahead.

AZIZ BEHICH – 6

Solid shift on the wing without ever really starring, in a back row which was too happy just to pass among themselves.

BAILEY WRIGHT – 6

Peru didn’t score which was largely through their lack of intent than Australia’s defensive effort but Wright played his part in making life tricky for the South Americans.

NATHANIEL ATKINSON – 6

The full backs didn’t get the penetration needed to make an impact but the strength at the back largely stopped Peru from creating chances until late into extra time.

AARON MOOY – 8

Solid in the centre for the Socceroos and stayed the full 120 minutes against all expectations, despite looking dead on his feet after an hour. 

MATHEW LECKIE – 6

Jackson Irvine - unpredictable and dangerous

Jackson Irvine – unpredictable and dangerous

The Socceroos were generally ineffective upfront, rarely creating chances and squandering the few they did make – and it didn’t improve when Leckie was moved from the wing to the striker’s role in the second half. 

JACKSON IRVINE – 8

No-one really knows Irvine’s best role – and that’s the way we like it. He’s unpredictable and can turn up literally anywhere on the field – in attack, defence or midfield…and equally dangerous in all of them.

AJDIN HRUSTIC – 7

Although part of the ineffective Australian attack, Hrustic was still a threat at dead ball situations. His chance in the second half raised pulses, but wasn’t good enough.

Martin Boyle was a standout in the first half before fading into the background in the second

Martin Boyle was a standout in the first half before fading into the background in the second

MARTIN BOYLE – 7

The rating reflects his first half more than anything else – he was Australia’s greatest threat in the first half but largely disappeared out the game after the restart. Loses a mark for missing his penalty shot

MITCH DUKE – 5

He was the focus of coach Graham Arnold ‘Aussie DNA’ message which was short for getting in Peru’s face, but he was more DNF – Did Not Finish. His lack of goals in green and gold has to have consequences for him soon. 

SUBS:

Coach Graham Arnold made the huge call to replace his keeper and captain before the penalty shoot out - and it paid off

Coach Graham Arnold made the huge call to replace his keeper and captain before the penalty shoot out – and it paid off

FRAN KARACIC – 6

Was a like for like replacement at fullback and brought nothing new to the game. 

CRAIG GOODWIN – 7

Didn’t get the minutes he perhaps deserved but he was strong despite playing out of position and took his penalty decisively.

JAMIE MACLAREN – 6

Pressure was on and he couldn’t find that winning goal, but performed as expected with his spot kick.

AWER MABIL – 8

It was a cameo role off the bench but the Socceroos were instantly lifted by his arrival and immediately looked dangerous and threatening, even if it was without reward.

ANDREW REDMAYNE – 8

The hero of Australia! Fans were stunned by his last minute arrival into the game to replace captain Maty Ryan for the penalty shoot out and his Wiggles-style workout on the goalline looked set to make him an international laughing stock. Instead he became a cult hero to millions with his antics proving enough to put off Peru, pull off an amazing save – and send Australia to Qatar.

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