Socceroos player ratings: Mooy shines on disappointing night

A controversial penalty helped Syria snatch a 1-1 draw against Australia in the first leg of the Asian World Cup playoff in Melaka, Malaysia on Thursday (AEDT).

Robbie Kruse's first-half tap-in secured a crucial away goal for the Socceroos before Syria were awarded a questionable penalty that was dispatched by Omar Al Soma late in the second period.

There were several opportunities for the green-and-gold to put the tie out of reach before Syria equalised.

How did the Australian players rate in the performance?

Mat Ryan - 8: Made a superb save deflecting a shot on to the post in the second half. Solid performance with no errors

Matthew Jurman - 7: Steady but unspectacular debut. Did everything that was required.

Trent Sainsbury - 7: Was unlucky not to score the winner, forcing a terrific save.

Milos Degenek - 8:  The pick of the defenders. On several occasions made last-ditch challenges to prevent goal-scoring chances

Aziz Behich - 6:  Was okay defensively but really let down his performance with his final ball. Stuffed it on several occasions.

Mark Milligan - 6:  Got absolutely battered in midfield but also gave away the ball a few too many times uncharacteristically.

Aaron Mooy - 9: Pulled the strings in midfield and at times looked like the only Australian player capable of making anything happen.

Josh Risdon - 7:  Ran out of steam but put in a good shift down the right. Was good going forward as well as defensively.

Mathew Leckie - 8: Didn't have his best game but created the goal with a moment of brilliance. Very stiff to concede the penalty.

Robbie Kruse - 7: Put the ball in the back of the net when asked but struggled outside of that. Looked slow and lacked strength. Also gave the ball away too many times.

Tomi Juric - 5: Not his best night. Hit the post twice in quick succession but the fact is he should have hit the target with one of those chances.

SUBSTITUTES

Nikita Rukavytsya - 5:  Lacked an impact on the game but entered at a time when Syria were taking control.

Massimo Luongo- 5: Again unfortunately another early sub from Ange that made little difference.

Tom Rogic - 4: Tried to be too cute on the ball and gave it away multiple times in the middle of the park despite only playing the last seven minutes.

The second leg of the will be played at ANZ Stadium in Sydney on October 10, with the winner to face the fourth-placed qualifier from CONCACAF for a spot in Russia.