DOHA, Qatar — Australia defender Harry Souttar‘s man-of-the-match performance in the Socceroos’ 1-0 win over Tunisia on Saturday has been hailed by teammate Jackson Irvine as one of the best individual displays he’s ever seen in a green and gold shirt.
Backed by coach Graham Arnold to resume his defensive partnership with Kye Rowles against the Eagles of Carthage despite being on the wrong end of a 4-1 scoreline against France in Australia’s opening game of the tournament, Souttar repaid his manager’s faith tenfold at the Al Janoub Stadium with a titanic defensive display.
– Stream on ESPN+: LaLiga, Bundesliga, more (U.S.)
Winning headers, blocking crosses and throwing himself about with reckless abandon in a game in which the Socceroos rode their physicality to a vital win, the Scottish-born centre-back won 100% of his tackles and ground duels attempted across the afternoon. He also made six clearances and blocked three Tunisian efforts on goal.
“He’s massive, isn’t he? Literally massive,” said teammate Riley McGree. “But he can move and he can play. He’s a very important player for us. So big respect to him and all the defenders.”
Two key moments in particular summed up Souttar’s performance, the first arriving just before half-time when he got back quickly as Tunisia broke and hurled himself in front of an effort from attacker Mohamed Drager to deny what looked to be a certain goal.
Then, with just two minutes remaining in the 90 and his teammates struggling to keep their legs moving beneath them, Souttar somehow found the energy to sprint back and slide across to shut down a breakaway from Tunisian substitute Taha Yassine Khenissi after a sloppy turnover from fatiguing Rowles.
