2010 FIFA World Cup: Australia Player Ratings vs Serbia

It was always going to be tough for the Australians. In order to advance to the round of 16, the Socceroos needed to beat Serbia considerably and hope either Ghana defeated Germany or Germany beat Ghana considerably. Pim Verbeek's men did the hard job of defeating the doughty Serbs, 2-1. But sadly, Germany were only able to muster a 1-0 win over the Black Stars.

Australia finish group D third with a commendable four points. Sadly, their 4-0 thrashing by the Germans has come back to hurt them, as well as poor refereeing decisions. Nonetheless, after the Australian public had given up on the "Roos" the team fought hard and can be proud of a decent World Cup effort.

Player Ratings

Mark Schwarzer: 7: A strong performance by the Arsenal-bound keeper. A number of impressive saves ensured the Serbs could only find the net once. A great balancing display, too, saw Milos Krasic forced to go round and miss a certain goal.

Luke Wilshire: 6: Solid and decent, keeping the right flank tidy. Got forward now and then but a solid effort all up. If only he had scored against Ghana then the nation wouldn't hate him. 

Michael Beauchamp: 7: Made a number of vital interceptions and challenges as well as some good clearances. Worked well with Neil too.

Lucas Neil: 6.5: Led from the front with his heart on his sleeve. Despite a few lapses in concentration, the Aussie captain can be proud of a strong defensive effort.

David Carney: 6: Was given a tough time by Milos Krasic down the left flank, but in the end prevailed. Was a very decent contributor in attack with a number of incisive crosses.

Jason Culina: 5.5: Fatigued but worked hard. A few errors here and there, as well as the odd astray pass.

Marco Bresciano: 6: Workmanlike. Ran and ran before being substituted. Did his best to create chances for the likes of Cahill and Kennedy and was also a threat from free kicks.

Carl Valeri: 7: A tidy performance without really setting the world on fire. Went about quietly, shutting down the Serbian attack as well as make his presence felt in attack.

Brett Emerton: 6: Almost spent more time disagreeing with the referee then actually contributing. None the less his presence was vital and he always looked potentially threatening near goal.

Tim Cahill: 8: Grew as the game wore on and scored a superb headed goal to cap off a doughty World Cup. 

Josh Kennedy: 6: Did his best to make his lanky presence felt and was always a useful target to attempt to hit.

Substitutes

Brett Holman: 7.5: Came on and immediately added a much needed spark. A stunning shot saw him deservedly find the score sheet.

Scott Chipperfield: 6: The usual, worked and worked always contributing and handling the Serbian attack with ease.

Richard Garcia: N/A: A short 10 minute cameo with no real flair.