A good performance by a makeshift Socceroo side, but again we come up against the same problem - creating loads of chances but not sticking enough of them in the onion bag. I thought Frank should've been far more experimental with his line up and substitutions - obviously playing for the win more than anything. Anyway my ratings:
Schwarzer 6: Not much to do really, I didn't think he was at fault on the goal, he did well to get low and get a hand on the first shot, just very unlucky it fell straight to Lisbie.
Neill 7: Defensively fairly sound, but he was caught out of position on their goal. Getting forward is a main strength of his but he mustn't neglect his defensive duties in doing so. Still, a good game, has now got his name in stone at RB.
Laybutt 7: Great performance by Steve after so long in the wilderness, hardly put a foot wrong and deserves the plaudits for doing the hard work. I'm sure he will continue to get better the longer he is with Mouscron. Now puts his name in the mix as a back up to Moore & Popovic.
Vidmar 6: Serviceable & solid as always, did nothing wrong, but did nothing spectacular.
Muscat 4: Out of position and it showed, no link up with Chipperfield and really did nothing of note. Didn't even manage to put his foot through anyone from memory!
Bresciano 8: Marco has got to get a regular spot in this team somehow! Great to see him get his 1st goal for Australia and his link play with Kewell & Viduka was excellent. Provides another option going forward and so good on the ball. Fantastic performance
Okon 7: I thought Paolo played very well, you can just see the lift in his confidence now he's left Leeds. His passing was generally excellent and his work in front of the back 4 was good. Gave the ball away once or twice but nothing major.
Skoko 7: I think Josip got the message after the Ireland game & Bresci's performance. He has to get forward and he did on this occasion, it was his best game in an attacking sense in a long time, certainly added something extra in attack.
Chipperfield 5: Back in his familiar position but not as effective on his flank in comparison to Marco. Not helped by having Muscat's non-existant link play behind him. I think his lack of pace in comparison to Lazaridis & Tiatto goes against him. Spot in the team must be a bit shaky
Kewell 9: MOTM for sure, the only downside was he should've had a hat trick. Took his goal very well, great running from deep, superb on the ball, great interplay with Bresciano & Viduka. We are a 50% better team when he plays.
Viduka 7: Again Mark's work around the box and off the ball was very good, he held the ball up very well and his interplay with Bresciano and Kewell was very good. Shame he couldn't bag a goal, needs to get more clear goalscoring opportunities.
Subs:
Kalac 7: Didn't have much to do but he did it well.
Sterjovski n/a: Not enough time, but nice to see him get a run after missing the last squad.
Here's hoping it's not too long until our next game, it's been great too see the boys in action over the last couple of weeks.