FIFA World Cup 2022 Player ratings: Australia v France – how Socceroos fared against world champs
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The Socceroos gave France a huge shock, but in the end the reigning champions showed their class in a 4-1 win.
Craig Goodwin shocked the world when he shot the far post after just nine minutes on a centimeter-perfect ball from Mat Leckie, but it proved in vain when Adrien Rabiot equalized midway through the first half.
Veteran striker Olivier Giroud finished with a brace, with superstar Kylian Mbappé also on the scoresheet.
This is how the Socceroos scored against Les Blues:
MAT RYAN – 5
Assembled his troops well, not at fault for either goal in the first half. Same story after the break.
NATHANIEL ATKINSON – 3
Had a brutal night with superstar Kylian Mbappé. Will be lucky to keep his place in the starting eleven for Australia’s next match against Tunisia.
Kylian Mbappé gave Nathaniel Atkinson a brutal introduction to World Cup football
Calling on all his experience, Mat Leckie provided an early assist for Craig Goodwin’s goal
Craig Goodwin celebrates his early goal for the Socceroos against France – Les Blues responded emphatically and ran out 4-1 winners
KYE ROWLES – 5
Question marks remain as to whether the Hearts defender belongs at this level.
HARRY SOUTTAR – 6
The Scottish-born defender used his size well and was very busy in the first half. An assured defensive performance against quality opponents.
AZIZ BEHICH – 5
Left back was at his best, had a tough job keeping Ousmane Dembele in check.
AARON MOOY – 6
Calling on all his experience, the veteran controlled the pace for the Socceroos in the middle of the park before France rioted.
MATHEW LEKKIE – 6
Provided the assist for Craig Goodwin with an inch-perfect cross and provided good cover for Nathaniel Atkinson when needed.
JACKSON IRVINE-6
Typical energetic performance from the Germany-based midfielder, who hit the post in stoppage time of the first half with Lloris beaten.
Socceroos boss Graham Arnold is said to have been encouraged by some aspects of his team’s performance
Aaron Mooy pulled the strings for Australia and was a calming influence in the middle of the park
RILEY MCGREE – 5
Smart cross for Irvine in first half stoppage time justified his place in Graham Arnold’s team. Need to hit the ball more.
CRAIG GOODWIN – 6
Found the back of the net with an emphatic finish for Australia ahead. The captain of Adelaide United justified his selection.
MITCH DUKE – 6
Workhorse ahead, never stopped running and almost scored a ‘worldie’ from distance.
BUILD:
JASON CUMMINGS – 5
Replaced Mitch Duke on top, ran his socks off. Cult hero needs to be more involved.
AWER MABIL – 5
Introduced at the expense of McGree, did enough to suggest he could start against Tunisia.
GARANG KUOL – 4
Australia’s rising star was largely anonymous when pitched to Goodwin, possibly awestruck by the opportunity.
KEANU BACCUS – N/A
Entered the fight late as Arnold emptied his bench.
MILOS DEGENEK – N/A
Replaced the out-of-control Atkinson at the death, likely to start Australia’s next two matches at right-back.
FRANCE PLAYER REVIEWS
HUGO LLORIS – 7
Unable to stop Craig Goodwin’s attack, the Tottenham goalkeeper recovered well and was a confident figure between the sticks.
LUCAS HERNANDEZ – N/A
Left injured shortly after Goodwin’s goal, replaced by his brother Theo.
IBRAHIMA KONATE – 7
Used his physicality well, his duel with Socceroos striker Mitch Duke in the first half was captivating.
DAYOT UPAMECANO – 6
Looked elegant and confident on the ball, did his job in the heart of defence.
BENJAMIN PAVARD – 7
Stylish left-back provided a dangerous outlet, paired well with the excellent Mbappé.
France’s Theo Hernandez was thrown into the fray early – and didn’t let Les Blues down
Olivier Giroud ended with a brace in the one-sided affair at Al Janoub Stadium
Mat Ryan was very busy as Les Blues recovered from a slow start to show their class
AURELIEN TCHOUAMENI – 6
Screening midfielder showed exactly why he is highly regarded at Real Madrid. Will get better as France gets deeper into the tournament.
ADRIEN RABIOT – 7
The Juventus-based midfielder broke Australian hearts when he equalized midway through the first half to begin the fightback.
ANTOINE GRIEZMANN – 7
The man responsible for many of France’s offensive attacks. A constant threat with the ball at his feet.
KYLIAN MBAPPE – 9
Electric performance from the PSG superstar, whose pace was terrifying at times. Sealed the result with France’s third goal.
Mbappé was a standout, with his electric pace and willingness to take on defenders too much for the Socceroos
The PSG superstar showed why he is one of the world’s best players – and is worth nearly $250 million
OUSMANE DEMBELE – 8
The Barcelona midfielder was silky smooth. Australia often had no answer for his direct style.
OLIVIER GIROUD – 8
The Journeyman striker took advantage of an Atkinson mistake to put France ahead. Kept Souttar very busy and finished with two goals to his name.
BUILD:
THEO HERNANDEZ – 6
Replaced his sibling early on and provided the assist for Rabiot. Probably start against Denmark and Tunisia.
YOUSSOUF FOFANA – N/A
One for the future, looks ominous on the ball.
KINGSLEY COMAN – N/A
Have Dembélé replaced, result assured, one for the future.