Player ratings: Star ‘sloppy’ in ‘horrible’ Socceroos loss
The Socceroos copped a reality check in their 2-0 group-stage defeat to the USA in Seattle on Saturday (AEST).
Almost every Australian player turned in an ordinary performance as the Socceroos were taught a tough lesson just six days after the stunning 2-0 win over Türkiye.
The US' Joe Scally and Australia's Nestory Irankunda compete for the ball. AP Photo/Manu Fernandez
Australia showed promise in the second half but was awful in the first half.
Speaking from Federation Square in Melbourne on Nine’s Today, former Socceroos captain Craig Foster described Australia’s first half as “horrible” and said it was “the worst the team’s played for a while”.
He said the Socceroos’ performance in the second half was “really excellent” but conceded the Americans’ second goal, scored in the 43rd minute, had “killed us”.
Nine.com.au rates the performances of every Socceroos player out of 10.
Mathew Leckie in action. AP Photo/Ted S. Warren
18. Patrick Beach
Could do little to stop the goals, especially the second which took a wicked deflection. Relatively tidy with his feet and handling. Rating: 6
19. Harry Souttar
A usual calming presence at the back for the Socceroos. The US’ mobility and intensity pressed him into uncharacteristic mistakes from the back and the Americans pounced. Rating: 5
3. Alessandro Circati
Like the rest of the Socceroos backline, struggled with the US’ high press and mobility. Produced one great goal-saving tackle in the second half after Balogun broke through. Rating: 5
21. Cameron Burgess
Was unfortunate with the own goal but sloppy in possession from the back, and the US jumped on errant passes. Rating: 4
Cameron Burgess pictured during the 2-0 defeat. Getty
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4. Jacob Italiano
Beaten for the first goal as Balogun’s pace proved too much. Was unable to inject himself into the attack as the US’ pressure forced the Socceroos deep. Rating: 4.5
5. Jordan Bos
Was denied his usual lung-busting runs as the US clamped down on his impact. Defensively caught out at times as the US looked to overload on his side. Rating: 5
24. Paul Okon-Engstler
Hardly sighted in the first half as the Socceroos struggled to maintain possession against the aggressive, high-pressing US team. Looked to get on the ball more in the second half as the Socceroos chased the game. Will learn from this experience. Rating: 5
13. Aiden O’Neill
Struggled to dictate the tempo for the Socceroos as the first half passed him by. Attempted to claw back some of the US’ momentum in the second half. Will need to lift for the crucial game against Paraguay. Rating: 5
Australia's Aiden O'Neill fights for the ball against the US' Antonee Robinson. AP Photo/Lindsey Wasson
7. Mathew Leckie
Was a surprise starter and struggled with the pace and intensity of the game. Fortunate not to be shown a yellow card for an early challenge. Came off in the 60th minute with a hamstring injury, so is a watch on the injury front before the Paraguay clash. Rating: 4
9. Mohamed Toure
Tried hard up front and saw his early shot saved by US goalkeeper Matt Freese. Fed off scraps on more than one occasion. Found himself isolated up front. Rating: 5
23. Nishan Velupillay
Struggled to get into the contest as the Socceroos were unable to play through the US’ press. Worked hard defensively but was nullified in his attacking output. Rating: 4.5
The US' Weston McKennie staunching Australia's Nishan Velupillay. AP Photo/Lindsey Wasson
8. Connor Metcalfe
Came on as a half-time substitute as the Socceroos looked for a more enterprising attack. Forced one save in the second half but was unable to drag the Socceroos back into a contest that the US richly deserved to win. Rating: 5
17. Nestory Irankunda
Introduced at the start of the second half to inject some pace and directness. Immediately gave the US defence something to think about with his pace in behind. Rating: 6
6. Jason Geria
Came on for the struggling Burgess and was relatively secure at the back while being tidy in possession. Rating: 6
20. Cristian Volpato
Blazed his first touch over the bar after a cut-back from Irankunda. Looked to get on the ball and play forward at every opportunity. The Socceroos’ best as he pressed his case for a starting spot. Rating: 7
22. Jackson Irvine N/A
