For the first time since 2006, the Socceroos have qualified for the Round of 16 at the World Cup.
Graham Arnold’s side secured a gritty 1-0 victory over world No. 10 Denmark to book a spot in the knockout stages and it took superhuman efforts from every player across the board to get there.
Foxsports.com.au assesses EVERY Socceroo’s performance in Player Ratings!
MORE COVERAGE
‘Hook it to my veins’: Aussie fans go nuts in wild scenes as Fed Square ‘has lost its mind’
HISTORY MAKERS! Socceroos end 16-year wait for World Cup knockouts with epic upset
World Cup LIVE: Defending world champs stunned by Aussie rivals
Mat Ryan – 9
Was kept busy throughout the first half as Denmark looked to strike early, but stood tall to everything thrown his way. The skipper was an assured and calm presence in the second half, wisely killing the clock when he needed to and made several crucial saves. Now lays claim to having two clean sheets at a World Cup.
Milos Degenek – 8.5
Thrust into the starting line-up, Degenek didn’t provide too much of an outlet going forward but he didn’t need to be. Had plenty to deal with on his flank in the first 30 minutes but did extremely well. Provided a crucial aerial presence when defending set pieces and won a foul late on which bought the Aussies precious time.
Harry Souttar – 9.5
This man can just about do no wrong. Headed clearances, perfectly-timed tackles, Souttar did it all. Stoke City must be rubbing their hands at the extra 0’s Souttar adds to his eventual transfer fee thanks to yet another colossal performance for the Aussies.
Kye Rowles – 9
An assured presence alongside Souttar. Was calm in the face of constant early pressure and swatted away several Danish crosses. A definite improvement on his Tunisia showing.
Aziz Behich – 8.5
Had a hairy moment when he was booked inside the opening few minutes, perhaps slightly harsh given how early it was. But he was full of energy up and down on the left flank and got into several dangerous positions. One of his best games in national team colours.
Aaron Mooy – 8.5
This man’s energy reserves are endless. Covered just about every blade of grass throughout the game and kept possession under serious pressure by the Danes. Helped the Socceroos advance up the field in transition and slowed it down when he needed to. Did fade slightly towards the end but that’s to be expected given the mountain of work he’s got through in three games.
Jackson Irvine – 8
Helped push the ball forward and never stopped running towards the end. Had a few loose passes early but turned it around right when the Socceroos needed it most, especially in the second half. Made some great driving runs to help the Aussies get up the park.
Riley McGree – 7.5
Had a shot blocked by a teammate in the first few minutes and had another audacious attempt on goal comfortably saved by Kasper Schmeichel. Was made to work a lot out of possession, but pressed wisely and was right alongside Leckie for his goal.
Mat Leckie – 9.5
The man of the hour. Will go down in history as the man who put the Aussies into the knockout stages for the first time in 2006 thanks to his incredible goal in the second half. Was out on his feet late in the game having run his socks off.
Craig Goodwin – 6.5
Was forced to do plenty of defensive work in the first half to help out Behich, meaning there was little offensive work coming from the Adelaide United winger. Was subbed at half-time but had nothing left to give due to the crazy amount of running he’d done in all three games to date.
Mitchell Duke – 8
The sight of him sprinting and charging down opposition defenders is something to behold. Clocked up 10km, a phenomenal amount of work as a striker. Didn’t get many clear-cut chances for himself, but an incredible performance nonetheless.
Keanu Baccus – 7
Came on for Goodwin and rarely looked out of place. Made some crucial tackles and provided some needed energy into the team that was crying out for some.
Bailey Wright – 6.5
Came on for McGree in the 74th minute. Didn’t quite put a foot wrong and provided some stability at the back when it was needed most.
Jamie Maclaren – 6
Entered the fray in the 82nd minute for Duke. Occupied some dangerous areas to keep the Danish backline on their toes but didn’t have much to work with offensively.
Ajdin Hrustic – N/A
Came on in 89th minute for Leckie, didn’t do a whole heap.
