Mark Schwarzer: Not even he was exempt from that shocking performance against Germany. Not directly at fault for any goals thought. Came out and had a great game against Ghana, making some superb saves, and did the same against Serbia. Still a mountain at the back and can be proud of his efforts. 7.5

Luke Wilkshire: You'd have to look a long way to find somebody better than Wilky in the tournament. Trademark fantastic cross for Cahill's header and was tireless down the right flank, both in attack and defence. One of the major stars of our team now, and a fantastic asset. 8.5

Lucas Neill: Had a shocker against Germany, looked much better against Ghana, and had a GREAT game against Serbia. Countless interceptions, blocks, and tackles. Well done Skip. 7.5

Craig Moore: Got found out numerous times in the Germany game, and although he played better against Ghana, was quite underwhelming on the whole. Thanks for the years of service, Craig. 5.5.

Michael Beauchamp: Only played the one game against Serbia, but was immense. Had control of Zigic almost all day, rarely got beaten for pace and executed some superb tackles. Very impressive and promising signs for the future. 7

Scott Chipperfield: Like so many others, poor against Germany. Redeemed himself with cameos off the bench, and still offered something. Like Craig, thank you for the years Chippers. 6

David Carney: Thanking his lucky stars he was left out against Germany. Had two fairly good games and got forward well. However, still leaves a LOT to be desired when it comes to his marking and positioning at the back. 6.5

Jason Culina: Can't blame too much of the Germany disaster on him, but he had one of the worst games I've seen from him against Ghana. Came out and had a blinder against Serbia though, was always available for the pass, and alongside Valeri, looked very confident and assured. Keep it up JC. 7

Vince Grella: Left a lot to be desired. Looked shaky in the leadup games and didn't improve much against Germany. That was all we saw of him, so his rating will reflect that. Looks worn out and perhaps he has played his last game for Aus. 5.5

Carl Valeri: Antithesis of Grella. Stepped up to fill the void and did magnificently. Looked comfortable on the ball, rarely turned over possession and put some great pressure on the opposition team. Still needs a bit of work on his passing range, but a very good WC for Valeri. 7

Brett Emerton: The only one who looked any good against Germany. Wasn't as much of a standout in relation to the rest of the team in the two other games, but still looked his usual tireless self and linked well with Wilkshire. Tried too many fancy flicks and tricks against Serbia that didn't come off. However, on the back of very little game time in the leadup he did well. 7

Mark Bresciano: Left out of the first game, but returned with a vengeance against Ghana, setting up our goal. Looked even better against Serbia, played some lovely passes and his technique is still there to be admired. Hopefully he continues on a bit longer. 7.5

Richard Garcia: Did a lot of huffing and puffing in the first game and only had little time aside from that. Didn't have a lot of time, but was a bit underwhelming, and being 32 at the next WC, hopefully he is surplus to requirements. 5

Brett Holman: Not much more can be said than already has been. Scored our first goal at this WC, and an absolutely beautiful second against Serbia, which gave the whole nation a brief chance to dream. Looked much more confident with the ball and never stopped running. Still needs a bit of work on his long passing, but a much, much improved player and one of our best at the WC. 8

Tim Cahill: Devastating red card against Germany, which caused him to miss the Ghana game. However, was back to his best against Serbia, proving impossible to mark and popping up with a superb header which sent us on our way. Still is, and will be for some time to come, a national icon. 7.5

Josh Kennedy: Only got the one start, and that was of course against Serbia. Distracted the defence well, but his first touch and passing left a lot to be desired on many occasions. Came into the game more in the latter stages, and overall a decent game. 6.5


Not enough time to rate Jedinak, Ruka or Kewell.

That's just my opinion of it, anyway!


EDIT: Added .5 to Wilky on second thought :P

Edited by imnofreak: 24/6/2010 05:08:36 PM

Pretty spot on ratings I reckon. After the WC I'd assume Moore and Chipperfield will retire, and Grella should do the same as we have good depth in his position and his aggressive play is not suited to Asia Cup football. Garcia did little to convince me that he'll be included in many future squads with Troisi and Burns hopefully given the opportunity to shine instead.

Pretty much agree with you, except on the positive side i'd give an extra point to Wilky and Valeri an extra 2 to what you've given them. On the negative side I'd give Grella a 1 and Moore a 3, and Culina a 4.5.

Wilky was my Aussie player of the tournament. Inspirational.
Valeri not far behind - a man mountain in front of the defence, one of the few to hold his own against Germany. Really showed us that Grella should be left right out for good.
Grella's performance against Germany was insipid. So glad we didn't have to see him for longer.
Moore was okay against Ghana but was still getting beaten and caught out of position far too many times - just Neill and Schwarz bailed him out, unlike against Germany.
Culina was easily the worst player to play all three games. Had mediocre games against Germany and Serbia and a horror show against Ghana.