Source :- THE AGE NEWS
The Socceroos and Egypt went the distance in their round-of-32 knockout game on Saturday morning, but two missed penalties cost Australia dearly as Egypt won 1-1 (4-2) to progress to the round of 16.
We rate the performance of every Socceroo.
Socceroos (formation 5-4-1)
18. Patrick Beach (goalkeeper)
Distributed the ball well. Was powerless to stop Emam Ashour’s headed goal. His late save on Ramy Rabia’s goal-bound header saved Australia. He is elite and won’t be at Melbourne City much longer. Was taken off by coach Tony Popovic for Maty Ryan to take the penalty shootout. 8.5
16. Aziz Behich (left wing back)
Active down the left wing and looked to push the pace. His crosses left a bit to be desired but he was tireless and dependable. 7
3. Alessandro Circati (centre back)
Strong in the middle and made some incisive passes when opportunities arose. Another quality performance; he has formed a superb partnership with Harry Souttar. 8
19. Harry Souttar (centre back)
He body blocked a goal-bound shot from Omar Marmoush and was very solid in the middle again, drawing in the defence leading to Egypt’s own goal, which equalised for Australia. Blocked multiple shots with his head or body including shots from Egyptian legend Mo Salah. It’s difficult to believe he missed his penalty shot after such a stellar game, but that’s sport. 8.5
25. Lucas Herrington (centre back)
Perhaps was a step slow moving up in the defensive line before Ashour’s goal, but the 18-year-old didn’t miss a beat with his passing and defensive play. He hit his penalty into the crossbar, which was a heartbreaking moment, but he has an extremely bright future ahead. 7
5. Jordan Bos (right wing back)
Stormed down the wings at various times, and had the best chance of the first half when he dribbled through the defence but couldn’t get a shot on goal. He was taken down in a painful tackle just before half-time and was subbed off with a suspected knee injury. Heartbreaking finish. 7.5
13. Aiden O’Neill (midfield)
Another tireless display in the middle, and a quality cross found Mohamed Hany’s head for the own goal. Perhaps his work has gone a little unnoticed, but this was his signature game. Poised, smart in the way he drew fouls and rarely made a poor pass. He’s in Major League Soccer at present, but he is capable of playing anywhere in the world. He was subbed out of the game far too early. 8.5
22. Jackson Irvine (midfield)
Conceded the early free kick that led to Ashour’s goal. He moved smartly and gave the Socceroos another physical player in the midfield and dead balls, and teamed well with O’Neill. Ran himself into the ground, and converted his penalty. 7
8. Connor Metcalfe (midfield)
Made some sharp passes and had a shot blocked in the box in the first half. He constantly challenged the Egyptians but couldn’t create the goal he was chasing. 7
20. Cristian Volpato (midfield)
A fierce shot early on hit the crossbar. His individual skills are superb but he still lacks chemistry with teammates, especially with Nestory Irankunda as the lone striker. Didn’t have as many chances to attack after half-time. 7
17. Nestory Irankunda (striker)
His pressure made a difference at times, but he was left to defend two players in Ashour’s goal, and was far too isolated in the central striker role. He scored while playing wide against Turkey but has been stuck in the middle ever since. He gave all he had, but I’d love to see him start in a wide role in future. 7
Substitutes
15. Kai Trewin (defender)
Subbed on for Bos. Hadn’t played a minute all World Cup, and was almost caught out on the opening play of second half, but he settled into his role and defended well. 6
9. Mohamed Toure (striker)
Subbed on for Irankunda. Did the physical work and threatened without getting a clear shot on goal, while a poor back pass led to a late Egypt corner late in regulation time. 6
10. Ajdin Hrustic (midfield)
Subbed on for Volpato. He has such a cultured left foot, and he asked some questions of Egypt’s defence while not overdoing things. His lovely deft passes helped keep the Socceroos moving. 6.5
24. Paul Okon-Engstler (midfield)
Replaced O’Neill. Huge shoes to fill for the young gun. He made some exceptional passes and stood strong in the middle with Irvine. 6
11. Awer Mabil (forward)
Replaced Metcalfe. He was active down the right wing and did his share of defensive work. Made his penalty shot. 7
1. Mat Ryan (goalkeeper)
Replaced Beach. Came on for the penalty shootout and wasn’t able to make a save, although he guessed the right way on Egypt’s first one. An impossible task when the team misses two penalties. Could Beach have done better? We will never know. 3
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