{"id":251359,"date":"2026-07-04T05:08:00","date_gmt":"2026-07-04T05:08:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/sports.runfyers.com\/index.php\/2026\/07\/04\/courageous-act-that-cant-be-ignored-breakout-stars-huge-statement-socceroos-ratings\/"},"modified":"2026-07-04T05:08:00","modified_gmt":"2026-07-04T05:08:00","slug":"courageous-act-that-cant-be-ignored-breakout-stars-huge-statement-socceroos-ratings","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/sports.runfyers.com\/index.php\/2026\/07\/04\/courageous-act-that-cant-be-ignored-breakout-stars-huge-statement-socceroos-ratings\/","title":{"rendered":"Courageous act that can\u2019t be ignored; breakout star\u2019s huge statement \u2014 Socceroos Ratings"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><\/p>\n<div>\n<p>Sometimes in football you don\u2019t get what you deserve, and it feels that way for Australia who produced the finest performance of Tony Popovic\u2019s tenure but exit the World Cup in the Round of 32 <a href=\"https:\/\/www.foxsports.com.au\/football\/fifa-world-cup-2026-australia-vs-egypt-live-socceroos-team-news-start-time-next-game-mo-salah-fitness-updates-in-dallas\/news-story\/bd39b9656b40e316fb5e9997bc1cbea5\" title=\"www.foxsports.com.au\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" target=\"_blank\">after losing to Egypt in Dallas 4-2 on penalties<\/a>. It had finished 1-1 at the end of regular and extra-time. <\/p>\n<p>This was the type of outing Australian football fans have been waiting to see from a young squad at this World Cup. They created chances &#8230; so many chances &#8230; but the margins at the top of the game are razor thin. <\/p>\n<p><i><b>Get all the latest football news, highlights and analysis delivered straight to your inbox with Fox Sports Sportmail. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.foxsports.com.au\/newsletter-sign-up?utm_source=FootballArticle&amp;utm_medium=TextLink&amp;utm_campaign=signup\" title=\"www.foxsports.com.au\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" target=\"_blank\">Sign up now &gt;<\/a><\/b><\/i><\/p>\n<div class=\"e5mrwj-0 jpgUYc\"><amp-iframe width=\"16\" height=\"9\" title=\"Minutely\" layout=\"responsive\" sandbox=\"allow-scripts allow-popups allow-same-origin allow-top-navigation\" allowfullscreen=\"\" frameborder=\"0\" referrerpolicy=\"unsafe-url\" src=\"https:\/\/snippet.tldw.me\/amp\/amp-launcher.html?publisher=204500&amp;placement=4280\" class=\"i-amphtml-layout-responsive i-amphtml-layout-size-defined\" i-amphtml-layout=\"responsive\" id=\"i-amp-0\"><i-amphtml-sizer style=\"display:block;padding-top:56.25%\"\/><amp-img layout=\"fill\" src=\"https:\/\/content.foxsports.com.au\/fs\/electrode\/poster-fallback.png\" placeholder=\"true\" i-amphtml-ssr=\"\" data-hero=\"\" class=\"i-amphtml-layout-fill i-amphtml-layout-size-defined\" i-amphtml-layout=\"fill\"><\/amp-img><\/amp-iframe><\/div>\n<p>Still, with the bulk of this side able to move forward to the next edition of the World Cup in four years\u2019 time, there\u2019s much to be positive about once the disappointment of defeat settles. This experience has been invaluable for those selected and gives the multitude of rising stars in the A-League and around the world right now a platform to build on.<\/p>\n<p>Aside from the loss, a nasty looking injury to Jordy Bos, who had to be carried from the field during the half-time break, will be of concern moving forward for the supremely talented wing back.<\/p>\n<p><b>READ MORE<\/b><\/p>\n<p><b\/><i><b>\u2018I\u2019M HERE\u2019: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.foxsports.com.au\/football\/world-cup\/if-you-want-to-reach-out-im-here-legends-words-of-support-for-aussie-teen-after-wc-heartbreak\/news-story\/7848451590af95963bb834495a28f6b0\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" target=\"_blank\">Icon\u2019s touching message to shattered Aussie teen<\/a><\/b><\/i><\/p>\n<p><i><b>TALKING POINTS: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.foxsports.com.au\/football\/fifa-world-cup-2026-australia-socceroos-out-after-egypt-penalty-loss-tony-popovics-mat-ryan-shock-lucas-herrington-and-harry-souttar-expose-vanishing-act-talking-points\/news-story\/902e9aed614beefbc8097318332b2a5f\" title=\"www.foxsports.com.au\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" target=\"_blank\">Socceroos vanishing act must be explained<\/a><\/b><\/i><\/p>\n<p><i><b>KEEPER SWITCH: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.foxsports.com.au\/football\/world-cup\/massive-massive-call-popa-explains-bombshell-decision-as-wc-image-stuns\/news-story\/d1494c004d5ad3002be4de02388ee71a\" title=\"www.foxsports.com.au\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" target=\"_blank\">Popa explains shock 119th-min call<\/a><\/b><\/i><\/p>\n<div class=\"sc-15rcxg2-0 kJtnfi\"><amp-ima-video id=\"body-8-0\" width=\"1.77\" height=\"1\" layout=\"responsive\" data-tag=\"https:\/\/pubads.g.doubleclick.net\/gampad\/ads?ad_rule=1&amp;cmsid=2492325&amp;correlator=1783142023323&amp;cust_params=pagetype%3DAMPArticle&amp;description_url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.foxsports.com.au%2Ffootball%2Fworld-cup%2Faussie-captains-defensive-masterclass-before-shootout-heartbreak-socceroos-player-ratings%2Fnews-story%2Ff33ffbfd4b7c07e72c9be5affd864076&amp;env=vp&amp;gdfp_req=1&amp;impl=s&amp;iu=%2F21780812979%2Ffoxsports%2Fstory-amp%2Ffootball%2Fworld-cup%2Fstory&amp;output=xml_vast3&amp;sz=640x480&amp;unviewed_position_start=1&amp;vid=933237\" data-poster=\"https:\/\/www.foxsports.com.au\/pmd\/images\/2026\/07\/04\/933238_640x360_large_20260704054733.jpg\" class=\"i-amphtml-layout-responsive i-amphtml-layout-size-defined\" i-amphtml-layout=\"responsive\"><i-amphtml-sizer style=\"display:block;padding-top:56.4972%\"\/><source src=\"https:\/\/foxsportspmd-a.akamaihd.net\/free\/geoblock\/2026\/07\/04\/DVU_040726_FOT_OKON_FUMES_SITE_202607040539\/DVU_040726_FOT_OKON_FUMES_SITE_202607040539_2628.mp4\" type=\"video\/mp4\"\/><\/amp-ima-video><\/p>\n<p>Socceroos FUME after Bos is taken out | 00:30<\/p>\n<p><amp-analytics type=\"adobeanalytics\" id=\"adobeanalytics\" class=\"i-amphtml-layout-fixed i-amphtml-layout-size-defined\" style=\"width:1px;height:1px;\" i-amphtml-layout=\"fixed\"\/><\/div>\n<p><b>PATRICK BEACH &#8211; 8.5<\/b><\/p>\n<p>Beach had very little to do until an incredible save right before extra-time. The decision to substitute him for Mat Ryan for the penalty shootout will be long debated. He could do zero about Egypt\u2019s goal. <\/p>\n<p><b>JORDY BOS &#8211; 7<\/b><\/p>\n<p>Bos had great moments of interplay once again with Cristian Volpato on the right and caused Egypt\u2019s defenders plenty of headaches. His best moments at this tournament have come in the last two games in a position that he\u2019s rarely played during his career. The wing back suffered a nasty looking injury just before half time and had to be assisted from the field.<\/p>\n<p><b>LUCAS HERRINGTON \u2014 8.5<\/b><\/p>\n<p>Showed calmness and composure well beyond his years once again. Picked good options with the ball and made great decisions to stop Egyptian attacks. The penalty took courage.<\/p>\n<p><b>ALESSANDRO CIRCATI &#8211; 8.5<\/b><\/p>\n<p>Circati, as he always does, read the play well and largely kept Omar Marmoush quiet. He deals with chaos in the calmest of manners. Another professional display. His last-ditch defending is elite.<\/p>\n<p><b>HARRY SOUTTAR &#8211; 9<\/b><\/p>\n<p>Souttar, like Circati, was imposing at the back and dealt with the threat of Mo Salah, who played more centrally than wide, well. He also started to get involved in the second half up the other end with his head. The skipper didn\u2019t put a foot or head wrong and was immense late on in regular time. The missed penalty will hurt but that\u2019s the lottery of a shootout. <\/p>\n<figure class=\"sc-11i7hbm-0 eUyOEq\"><amp-img alt=\"Australia's Harry Souttar. AP Photo\/Sam Hodde\" src=\"https:\/\/content.api.news\/v3\/images\/bin\/6ac2ca3ef2063b192d115f9f37f1a383\" width=\"1280\" height=\"720\" srcset=\"https:\/\/content.api.news\/v3\/images\/bin\/6ac2ca3ef2063b192d115f9f37f1a383?width=320 320w, https:\/\/content.api.news\/v3\/images\/bin\/6ac2ca3ef2063b192d115f9f37f1a383?width=640 640w, https:\/\/content.api.news\/v3\/images\/bin\/6ac2ca3ef2063b192d115f9f37f1a383?width=768 768w\" layout=\"responsive\" attribution=\"test\" class=\"i-amphtml-layout-responsive i-amphtml-layout-size-defined\" i-amphtml-layout=\"responsive\"><i-amphtml-sizer style=\"display:block;padding-top:56.25%\"\/><\/amp-img><figcaption class=\"sc-11i7hbm-1 gSnntl\"><span>Australia&#8217;s Harry Souttar. AP Photo\/Sam Hodde<\/span><span>Source: AP<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p><b>AZIZ BEHICH &#8211; 8<\/b><\/p>\n<p>Australia\u2019s left side is a little more subdued than the right. Behich always operates at 10\/10 intensity and had a good individual game. The combination with Connor Metcalfe isn\u2019t quite there yet on the left flank. Behich\u2019s second half was superb. <\/p>\n<p><b>JACKSON IRVINE &#8211; 7.5<\/b><\/p>\n<p>Irvine didn\u2019t see a lot of ball, but he used his huge engine again to make sure Egypt didn\u2019t have a lot of space to play in in the middle of the park. His effort areas were high.<\/p>\n<p><b>AIDEN O\u2019NEILL &#8211; 8.5<\/b><\/p>\n<p>O\u2019Neill produced another professional display. The New York City midfielder was silky on the half turn and controlled the tempo of Australia\u2019s attack while marshalling the middle of the park without the ball with tenacity. He pretty much covered every blade of grass at the Dallas Stadium and took the free kick that led to Australia getting back on level terms via an own goal.<\/p>\n<p><b>CRISTIAN VOLPATO &#8211; 9<\/b><\/p>\n<p>This was Cristian Volpato\u2019s best performance in an Australian jersey. He was unhappy with his effort against Paraguay where he mixed brilliance with moments where better decision making was required. This time, it was pretty much spot on for the Sydney born Serie A attacking midfielder. He was Australia\u2019s most dangerous attacking weapon and had several shots. The ultimate end product, in terms of goals, will come. The connection with his teammates took a giant leap forward again.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"sc-11i7hbm-0 eUyOEq\"><amp-img alt=\"Australia's Cristian Volpato. AP Photo\/Julio Cortez\" src=\"https:\/\/content.api.news\/v3\/images\/bin\/84394b3950bee27a4b8bc60b0d9b5e49\" width=\"1280\" height=\"720\" srcset=\"https:\/\/content.api.news\/v3\/images\/bin\/84394b3950bee27a4b8bc60b0d9b5e49?width=320 320w, https:\/\/content.api.news\/v3\/images\/bin\/84394b3950bee27a4b8bc60b0d9b5e49?width=640 640w, https:\/\/content.api.news\/v3\/images\/bin\/84394b3950bee27a4b8bc60b0d9b5e49?width=768 768w\" layout=\"responsive\" attribution=\"test\" class=\"i-amphtml-layout-responsive i-amphtml-layout-size-defined\" i-amphtml-layout=\"responsive\"><i-amphtml-sizer style=\"display:block;padding-top:56.25%\"\/><\/amp-img><figcaption class=\"sc-11i7hbm-1 gSnntl\"><span>Australia&#8217;s Cristian Volpato. AP Photo\/Julio Cortez<\/span><span>Source: AP<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p><b>NESTORY IRANKUNDA &#8211; 7.5<\/b><\/p>\n<p>Irankunda started at striker and still looks like he\u2019s working out how to impose himself regularly on the game in that position. He has always looked far more potent as a winger and that still seems the case. He made a few good runs into the channels to win free kicks. Nestory was substituted in the 74TH minute for Mo Toure.<\/p>\n<p><b>CONNOR METCALFE &#8211; 7<\/b><\/p>\n<p>Metcalfe came to life a little more in the second half than the first playing on the left. He describes himself as not the flashiest player going around but you never get less than a wholehearted game out of him. A lot of Australia\u2019s ball went down the other side.<\/p>\n<p><b>KAI TREWIN &#8211; 7<\/b><\/p>\n<p>Trewin was put on at right back when Jordy Bos went off at half time. They are very different players, but there\u2019s a level of trust and composure Trewin brings as a replacement.<\/p>\n<p><b>MO TOURE &#8211; 6.5<\/b><\/p>\n<p>Toure made some great runs into the channels when he came on but a little bit of end product was missing after that. <\/p>\n<div class=\"sc-15rcxg2-0 kJtnfi\"><amp-ima-video id=\"body-38-0\" width=\"1.77\" height=\"1\" layout=\"responsive\" data-tag=\"https:\/\/pubads.g.doubleclick.net\/gampad\/ads?ad_rule=1&amp;cmsid=2492325&amp;correlator=1783142023326&amp;cust_params=pagetype%3DAMPArticle&amp;description_url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.foxsports.com.au%2Ffootball%2Fworld-cup%2Faussie-captains-defensive-masterclass-before-shootout-heartbreak-socceroos-player-ratings%2Fnews-story%2Ff33ffbfd4b7c07e72c9be5affd864076&amp;env=vp&amp;gdfp_req=1&amp;impl=s&amp;iu=%2F21780812979%2Ffoxsports%2Fstory-amp%2Ffootball%2Fworld-cup%2Fstory&amp;output=xml_vast3&amp;sz=640x480&amp;unviewed_position_start=1&amp;vid=933252\" data-poster=\"https:\/\/www.foxsports.com.au\/pmd\/images\/2026\/07\/04\/933253_640x360_large_20260704093108.jpg\" class=\"i-amphtml-layout-responsive i-amphtml-layout-size-defined\" i-amphtml-layout=\"responsive\"><i-amphtml-sizer style=\"display:block;padding-top:56.4972%\"\/><source src=\"https:\/\/foxsportspmd-a.akamaihd.net\/free\/geoblock\/2026\/07\/04\/zlatanmessageNATIVE_202607040923\/zlatanmessageNATIVE_202607040923_2628.mp4\" type=\"video\/mp4\"\/><\/amp-ima-video><\/p>\n<p>Zlatan sends message to 18yo Aussie | 00:41<\/p>\n<p><amp-analytics type=\"adobeanalytics\" id=\"adobeanalytics\" class=\"i-amphtml-layout-fixed i-amphtml-layout-size-defined\" style=\"width:1px;height:1px;\" i-amphtml-layout=\"fixed\"\/><\/div>\n<p><b>AJDIN HRUSTIC &#8211; 7.5<\/b><\/p>\n<p>Hrustic is the perfect guy to bring on when Cristian Volpato goes off. They\u2019re very similar players in attack and Hrustic also put in plenty of work without the ball as well.<\/p>\n<p><b>PAUL OKON-ENGSTLER &#8211; 6.5<\/b><\/p>\n<p>Wasn\u2019t on the field long enough to stamp his authority on the match but he\u2019ll be a big part of the Socceroos midfield moving forward. <\/p>\n<p><b>AWER MABIL &#8211; 7.5<\/b><\/p>\n<p>Produced a short but punchy stint. Showed plenty of attacking intent at a moment where Australia needed a fresh spark. <\/p>\n<p><b>MAT RYAN &#8211; 6.5<\/b><\/p>\n<p>Ryan came on for the shootout. He could do little about the four spot kicks. A tough campaign spent watching unexpectedly for the most part. <\/p>\n<div class=\"sc-15rcxg2-0 kJtnfi\"><amp-ima-video id=\"body-47-0\" width=\"1.77\" height=\"1\" layout=\"responsive\" data-tag=\"https:\/\/pubads.g.doubleclick.net\/gampad\/ads?ad_rule=1&amp;cmsid=2492325&amp;correlator=1783142023322&amp;cust_params=pagetype%3DAMPArticle&amp;description_url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.foxsports.com.au%2Ffootball%2Fworld-cup%2Faussie-captains-defensive-masterclass-before-shootout-heartbreak-socceroos-player-ratings%2Fnews-story%2Ff33ffbfd4b7c07e72c9be5affd864076&amp;env=vp&amp;gdfp_req=1&amp;impl=s&amp;iu=%2F21780812979%2Ffoxsports%2Fstory-amp%2Ffootball%2Fworld-cup%2Fstory&amp;output=xml_vast3&amp;sz=640x480&amp;unviewed_position_start=1&amp;vid=933244\" data-poster=\"https:\/\/www.foxsports.com.au\/pmd\/images\/2026\/07\/04\/933246_640x360_large_20260704075228.jpg\" class=\"i-amphtml-layout-responsive i-amphtml-layout-size-defined\" i-amphtml-layout=\"responsive\"><i-amphtml-sizer style=\"display:block;padding-top:56.4972%\"\/><source src=\"https:\/\/foxsportspmd-a.akamaihd.net\/free\/geoblock\/2026\/07\/04\/PopaonMatRyansnub_202607040738\/PopaonMatRyansnub_202607040738_2628.mp4\" type=\"video\/mp4\"\/><\/amp-ima-video><\/p>\n<p>Popa sheds light on Mat Ryan sub&#8230; | 00:26<\/p>\n<p><amp-analytics type=\"adobeanalytics\" id=\"adobeanalytics\" class=\"i-amphtml-layout-fixed i-amphtml-layout-size-defined\" style=\"width:1px;height:1px;\" i-amphtml-layout=\"fixed\"\/><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.foxsports.com.au\/football\/world-cup\/aussie-captains-defensive-masterclass-before-shootout-heartbreak-socceroos-player-ratings\/news-story\/f33ffbfd4b7c07e72c9be5affd864076\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Source link <\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Sometimes in football you don\u2019t get what you deserve, and it feels that way for Australia who produced the finest performance of Tony Popovic\u2019s tenure but exit the World Cup in the Round of 32 after losing to Egypt in Dallas 4-2 on penalties. It had finished 1-1 at the end of regular and extra-time. [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":251360,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"tdm_status":"","tdm_grid_status":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[6807],"tags":[156],"class_list":{"0":"post-251359","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","5":"has-post-thumbnail","7":"category-leagues-cups","8":"tag-sports"},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/sports.runfyers.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/251359","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/sports.runfyers.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/sports.runfyers.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/sports.runfyers.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/sports.runfyers.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=251359"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/sports.runfyers.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/251359\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/sports.runfyers.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/251360"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/sports.runfyers.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=251359"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/sports.runfyers.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=251359"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/sports.runfyers.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=251359"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}