Socceroos player ratings against Syria

HOW THE SOCCEROOS RATED AGAINST SYRIA

Mathew Ryan: Left exposed by his teammates but could have done a little more to stop Omar Al Somah's goal. Stepped up in the second half. - 7

Milos Degenek: A couple of shaky moments but mostly sturdy and made a vital last-ditch challenge in injury-time. - 6.5

Trent Sainsbury: Customarily composed as Australia's defensive backbone. Fell into the trap for the opening goal. - 6

Matthew Jurman: Bread and butter. Knew his role and stuck to it with such assurance it's a wonder he's not been called up before. - 7

Mark Milligan: Gifted Syria their opening goal with a cheap giveaway but was handed a huge challenge on his own in midfield in a tweaked formation. - 6.5

Mathew Leckie: Oustanding workrate up and down the right flank. Cross for Cahill's opening goal was perfect. - 8

Brad Smith: Left the pitch after 10 minutes through injury. Perhaps a blessing in disguise given it made way for Mooy. - N/A

Robbie Kruse: Was forced to play out of position for 110 minutes but contributed the assist for Cahill's winner - 7

James Troisi: Had a first-half shot but struggled to get into the game in a system also featuring Rogic and Mooy - 5.5

Tom Rogic: The Celtic man was the point of difference going forward and finally showed he can replicate his talismanic feats at international level - 8

Tim Cahill: Two trademark headers, one the matchwinner. Australia have the 37-year-old to thank for the fact their World Cup campaign is still alive - 9

Substitutes:

Aaron Mooy: The fulcrum of Australia's attack. A hive of industry and played a role in both Cahill's goals - 8

Nikita Rukavytsya: Had a chance in regulation time and forced a save with a volley at the near post but otherwise ineffective - 6

Tomi Juric: Suffered from lack of service and had limited opportunities - 6