Qantas Socceroos Player Ratings

The Socceroos fell to Romania. So what did we make of their individual performances?

Mark Schwarzer: He-d be unhappy about being subbed off at halftime and also unhappy about what was a sub-par performance from the usually reliable keeper. Completely culpable on Romania-s first goal when he spilled what should have been a regulation save. Rating 4

Michael Zullo: In and out of his side at club level we can honestly say we-re fans of Zullo-s haircut, it suits him. There-s also a lot to like about the forward thrust he gives the team, but he needs to work just a little on his man marking and not giving his opponent too much space. Rating 5

Lucas Neill: Yet again Neill-s lack of pace was shown up in the middle of defence, but at the same time the wily veteran showed he-s learned a trick or two by placing himself in the right position in defence. Australia were far worse off when he was off the pitch. Rating 6.5

Robert Cornthwaite: Who loves a goal? Robbie Cornthwaite does! He started poorly and wasn-t able to match the pace of Romania-s attacks and looked really unsure of himself, but he grew into the game as it went on and scored the go-ahead goal and having a tall defender who can attack is a great asset to any side. It was a mixed bag but there were more positives than negatives. Rating 7

Luke Wilkshire: Like most of his teammates had a nightmare opening to the match, but he too worked into the game. His turnover led in part to the first goal, but he played some good balls and slotted the penalty with ease. Rating 6.5

Matt McKay: Was he even on the park for most of the match. Maybe he should be our left back. It-s hard to say but he had a quiet night and spurned a chance in front of goal. Rating 4

James Holland: Couldn-t hit a barn with his passing game early on, but he continued to work on his combinations throughout the match and started to find a rhythm with Brett Holman. It wasn-t a complete performance but he is on his way. Rating 5.5

Mark Bresciano: Twas a quiet night from the usually influential midfielder. He was forced to sit really deep in the first half and struggled to have his usual influence. Rating 5

Brett Holman: Short of a gallop because he can-t get game time at Aston Villa, there were glimpses of his creative best towards the end when he stung the palms of the Romanian keeper on a couple of occasions. There were positive signs that he is finding some form. Rating 7

Alex Brosque: When Brosque gets involved Australia become a better side and his physical presence up front is important. Not for the first time he won Australia a crucial penalty, but his inability to stay involved hurt the team. Rating 5

Robbie Kruse: There was no player more dangerous than Kruse and although his finishing let him down, his speed saw him get in-behind Romania-s defence on several occasions throughout the match. More and more he looks like a maturing player. Rating 7.5

Adam Federici: Came on for Schwarzer at halftime and did no better. He looked a little immobile when Romania netted the match-winner and doubt whether he is the next in line to the Bosnich/Schwarzer hot seat. Mitch Langerak anyone? Rating 4

Rhys Williams: Admitted pre-match that he is out of form and he couldn-t have been more right. At his best we love Rhys Williams. Tonight was maybe his worst ever. Culpable for two second half goals and loose on his man. Rating 2

Ryan McGowan: Came on as a second half substitute and did little wrong. He was there without making an impact. Rating 5

Nikita Rukavytsya: Had little time to do anything of significance in this one at all. We-d like to see more of him. Rating NR