It has happened. The Socceroos, under the guidance of Graham Arnold, have achieved the unthinkable. With their second 1-0 win in a row, the boys in green and gold advance to the Round of 16, where they will be waiting for their next opponent.
Matt Ryan: – Ryan faced a total of 13 shots on the night but was forced to make only three saves. The Danish attackers never really managed to threaten the former Arsenal keeper and he kept his second consecutive clean sheet at the tournament. 7
Milos Degenek: – Degenek replaced Karacic on the right side of the defense, after a poor showing from the Brescia defender, but the 28-year-old failed to convince as well. His lack of pace was exploited on a couple of occasions and he picked up a yellow card for a silly challenge in the second half. 5
Harry Souttar: – Another absurdly good outing for the Stoke City center-back. Souttar was winning headers left, right, and center, throwing his body at everything, and proving that, despite being born in Scotland, he is ready to do everything for the ‘Roos. 9
Kye Rowles: – Similarly to Souttar, Rowles did his utmost best to defend his goal and was nearly faultless throughout the full 90. Ended the game with three blocks, three clearances, and four ball recoveries. 8
Aziz Behich: – Started off poorly, picking up a yellow card early on, and misplacing a few passes. His performance got better and better as the game went on and an individual raid from him nearly resulted in a second goal in Schmeichel’s net. 6
Aaron Mooy: – Mooy didn’t have the best first half when the Danish team was on top, but he upped his game in the second 45 and showed his class. He finished the game with nine passes into the final third, the most from any Australian player on the pitch. 7
Jackson Irvine: – Irvine was one of the most energetic players on the pitch, as always. Worked hard in midfield and defended exceptionally well when he had to. Could have made more from a chance in the first half, with his first-time shot blazing way over the bar. 7
Riley McGree: – The Boro midfielder had a fantastic game, starting in his second striker role and pressing tirelessly alongside Duke. His work rate was on show, but his final ball for Leckie’s was what impressed the most. 8
Mathew Leckie: – The man of the moment! Leckie, in his record-breaking appearance, won the game for Australia with a phenomenally well-taken goal, becoming just the ninth Socceroo to score at a World Cup. 9
Mitchell Duke: – Duke once again deserves praise for his performance. With the ball, he didn’t offer much but it was his off-ball work that really impressed. He forced Andersen and Christensen into making multiple errors and defended bravely from the front. 7
Craig Goodwin: – Goodwin had probably his most quiet game since the start of the World Cup against the Danes. Tried some early crosses from the left that didn’t really come off and was subbed at half-time by Arnold. 5
Substitutes
Keanu Baccus: – Provided energy after replacing Goodwin and worked very well in midfield, helping Mooy and Irvine with his fresh legs. 7
Bailey Wright: – Came on when Australia had to defend their lead and barely put a foot wrong. Good spell off the bench. 7
Jamie Maclaren: – N/A
Ajdin Hrustic: – N/A
