A Tim Cahill hat-trick illuminated a comfortable 4-0 win against Bangladesh in Dhaka. The result takes the Socceroos two points clear of Jordan in their qualifying group, albeit having played a game more.
Socceroos
Adam Federici (GK) – 5: Did not have to make a save. Undoubtedly, the goalkeeper’s highlight was pushing forward to half way to collect an errant Bangladeshi defensive clearance in the first period.
James Meredith – 8: The 27-year-old was excellent with his side opting to attack down the left throughout the first period. Protected the ball well when under duress. Substituted for Jason Davidson in the 58th minute.
Bailey Wright – 7: Early error aside, Wright was dependable when rarely called upon. Credited with the assist for Jedinak’s tap-in.
Alex Wilkinson – 7: Not troubled defensively, but distributed possession well enough to begin attacks from deep.
Josh Risdon – 8: A pressure-free debut. Showed great dynamism in getting to the by-line to conjure crossing opportunities and did not look out of place.
Mile Jedinak – 8: Typically combative in midfield when he needed to be and was on hand to nod home Australia’s fourth. Forced an excellent save from Sahidul Alam with an uncharacteristic overhead kick with 10 minutes to play.
Matt McKay – 7: Steady in possession but could have tried to be more incisive considering the Socceroos’ midfield dominance. Highlight of his performance was a clever one-touch pass to play in Mooy, leading to Cahill’s third goal.
Aaron Mooy – 8: Combined excellently with Cahill in the final third and kept the tempo of Australia’s attacks at a high pace. Substituted at half time for Tommy Oar.
Massimo Luongo – 5: Neat in patches, but struggled to get involved or show his usual flair. Substituted for James Troisi at the break.
Nathan Burns – 6: Impressive in bursts. Tried to do a little too much at times when the simpler option would have sufficed.
Tim Cahill – 9: A tale of two halves for the veteran striker. Dominated the first-half with a hat-trick, showing great hunger throughout but could not add to his tally thereafter, albeit with lesser service.
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Substitutes
Tommy Oar – 5: Will be disappointed with his involvement, especially given Meredith’s earlier dominance of the left side. Only showed his quality in glimpses.
James Troisi – 5: Always capable of something special but could not conjure anything of note besides an early cross to Cahill in the opening stages of the second half.
Jason Davidson – 6: Lacked Meredith’s willingness to run at defenders in attack, but did his job defensively.
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