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Posted: Sat, 09 Jun 2018 05:59:05 GMT

IT wasn’t the match the Socceroos wanted or needed six days before taking on France in a crucial World Cup opener in Kazan.

Facing Hungary in their final warm up before jetting off to Russia, the Aussies turned in a lethargic performance which threw up more questions than answers.

They escaped with a 2-1 win, but it wasn’t pretty.

Normally consistent stars faltered in Budapest, all but locked on starters failed to provide much spark while many handed the opportunity to push their case also failed to make a big impact off the bench.

But there was one major bright spark - teen sensation Daniel Arzani.

The 19-year-old played just 17 minutes and was the clear standout for the Aussies - scoring once from an audacious effort and playing a big hand in the winner.

Could he get the nod for a start against Les Bleus?

Here’s how we rated every player in the Socceroos clash with Hungary…

Maty Ryan – 6.5

Wasn’t called upon much in a dour opening half but when called upon to make a big save he stood up tall. An error from Milligan created a one on one, and the No. 1 showed just why he’ll be between the sticks against France by making himself big to keep out the chance. Made way for Jones at half time.

Josh Risdon – 5.5

A mixed evening for the fullback. Roland Sallai dominated the the match up down Hungary’s right in the first half as Risdon was caught out of position time and time again. Redeemed himself somewhat with some good runs forward, but overall a poor outing – especially considering his star turn against the Czech Republic.

Trent Sainsbury – 4

Some uncharacteristically loose passing turned over the ball on a range of occasions as the stand-in skipper looked almost uncomfortable in the heart of defence. Very sloppy at times. Miscommunication with Jones handed the Hungarians an equaliser late- with no pressure on him. A horror outing.

Mark Milligan – 3.5

Has been preferred to Matt Jurman in the heart of defence for his quality passing, but some big errors with ball at feet were a big cause of concern. A shocking turnover on the half hour mark created a big chance – with Ryan saving his blushes. Is he really up to facing the likes of Antoine Griezmann?

Aziz Behich – 6.5

Made some really positive runs forward throughout and looked comfortable in the left back role. A lock to start against France you dare say.

Aaron Mooy – 6

Looked assured on the ball once again, but didn’t quite have the license to go forward and create. Some nice passing, but wasn’t able to dictate the tempo as the Hungarians patrolled the cente.

Massimo Luongo – 4.5

A really poor outing from Luongo in a big chance to secure his starting berth against France. Some woeful passing characterised an all round subpar showing in the heart of midfield. Something to think about for Van Marwijk. Replaced by Jedinak at half time.

Tom Rogic – 5.5

Seriously uninvolved in the opening 45, but when the ball’s at his feet the Socceroos look more dangerous. Made a nice run to kickstart the second half, but never really got into the game. Replaced by Irvine in the 65th minute.

Mathew Leckie – 5.5

Not his best match in green and gold, as he failed to provide the same spark that saw him net a double against the Czechs. Tried to spark things but never really got going. Carded for a petulant trip in the first half. Will start against France.

Robbie Kruse – 4.5

Gave the boo boys some ammunition. Spurned a big chance from close range by smashing one over the bar, and failed to make a difference going forward. Replace by the mercurial Arzani in the 73rd minute.

Andrew Nabbout – 4

Only had a handful of touches and was largely isolated up front. Ran hard off the ball but didn’t get his chance for another moment of brilliance. Replaced at halftime by Juric.

SUBSTITUTES:

Tomi Juric – 3

Came on at half time, was substituted off in the 80th minute. An irrelevant cameo from the now fit striker, looked dejected coming off and doesn’t look to be in the running for a start against Les Bleus. Didn’t add anything realty while on the park.

Mile Jedinak – 5

Was his usual robust self in midfield after entering the fray at half time. Added some steel in front of the back four but like many of his teammates, failed to a make a big impact on the match.

Brad Jones – 4

A nervy start saw the keeper spill an easy corner grab just after replacing Ryan at half time. A shocking mix up with Sainsbury saw him shell the equaliser, with fingers pointed at the substitute keeper.

Jackson Irvine – 6.5

A really positive impact after coming off the bench may have catapulted him into the conversation to start. Added some dynamism and go forward through the centre of the park after replacing Rogic in the 64th minute. Also forced a good save with a nice strike and made the winner with a nice cross which was turned in calamitously by the home side.

Daniel Arzani – 9.5

He took just one minute to show exactly why fans are clamouring for his inclusion. Added speed, trickery and directness to a poor attack from the get go. Backed himself to cut inside and shoot and was rewarded with his first international goal. And then set away Irvine to create the winner. Just about man of the match despite playing just over 15 minutes. What a performance from the 19-year-old. Should he get a start in Kazan?!

Tim Cahill – N/A

Only given 10 minutes to show his wares after replacing substitute Juric. Was largely irrelevant and didn’t really get the chance to make his mark.

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