Despite losing 4-1, Australia fought valiantly in their opening World Cup match against France. The Socceroos managed an early goal, but they were unable to hold onto the lead for long. The Blues’ talent advantage was simply overwhelming, forcing the underdogs to desperately defend for most of the match.
Matthew Ryan – 5.5
With France firing off 23 shots, Ryan was under siege for practically the entire match. The goalkeeper made a few fine stops late, but he was not at his best early on.
Kye Rowles – 5
Rowles struggled to make any outstanding plays against the onslaught of France’s attack.
Harry Souttar – 7
From the backline, the massive centre-back played his heart out for his country. As France pressed for more goals, he made several key defensive plays to keep the Socceroos in the match, but it was ultimately not enough.
Aziz Behich – 5
Behich played somewhat better than his fellow full-back, but his still had significant problems containing Ousmane Dembele. In the second half, he impressed by clearing a shot off the goal line.
Nathaniel Atkinson – 3
Against the fearsome duo of Kylian Mbappe and Theo Hernandez, Atkinson had an unsurprisingly terrible match. The French wingers outclassed the Hearts defender, who was by far the worst on the pitch.
Aaron Mooy – 6.5
Mooy was one of the better midfielders for Australia, providing crucial distribution from deep. However, his influence waned as France picked up momentum in the second half.
Jackson Irvine – 5
In the first half, Irvine had a header glance off the goal post, nearly equalizing for his country. However, he was unable to provide much else in the defeat.
Riley McGree – 4.5
McGree distributed the ball well, but he lost possession too often while not creating many attacking chances for his country.
Matthew Leckie – 6.5
Leckie showed off elite footwork on Australia’s shock opening goal. The midfielder made a wicked cut outside the box to create space, giving himself a lane to whip in a cross to Goodwin. However, France’s crushing possession forced the winger to spend most of the match defending.
Craig Goodwin – 7
On the left wing, Goodwin got the Aussies off to a flying start, hammering home a brilliant shot in the ninth minute.
Mitchell Duke – 4
Against France’s two stalwart centre-backs, Duke was unable to generate many chances for his side. After picking up a yellow card, he was quickly removed in the second half, managing just one shot, which was blocked.
AUSTRALIA LEAD AGAINST FRANCE! pic.twitter.com/vnYglpaUAX
— ESPN FC (@ESPNFC) November 22, 2022
Substitutes
Jason Cummings – 4
While replacing Duke as Australia’s number nine, Cummings managed only eight touches on the ball.