Australia 1 - Rangers 2

JACK REILLY (3) had precious little to do. Did not appear to be in tip-top condition and lacked the usual authority. The second goal can be partially attributed to him.

DOUG UTJESENOVIC (3) had trouble holding Fyfe in the first 30 minutes or so, and almost cuased a goal with a sloppy 23rd minute backpass. Gained in confidence, however after the interval, when he used his technique to curb his dangerous winger.

PETER WILSON (4) proved once more that he just doesn't know how to play indifferently when he dons Australia's colours. Cool, calm and collected he was a tower of strength in the middle of the Australia defence and his distribution was also well up to standard.

COL BENNETT (4) fitted well into the defensive scheme of things and looks like holding on to the vital position that was once Manfred Schaefer's. His tackling, heading, positioning and work rate all drew favourable comment.

HARRY WILLIAMS (5) deserves the Australian "player of the match" tag. His enormous class and natural talent were evident for all to see. No wonder he impressed the Scots! His was a world-class display. He was somewhat at fault when Rangers scored their second goal as he was amiss with his marking, but then, he saved a certain goal - off Reillys line - very early in the game.

RAY RICHARDS (4) made those critics who claimed he was "washed up" eat their words. He must have covered kilometres taking dozens of throw-in "speacials" - always dangerous in the Ranfers goalmouth - and linking up effectively in the midfield where his work rate was enormous.

JIM ROONEY (4) had a brilliant second half after a quiet first eriod where he seemed somewhat overawed to be actually playing against his childhood heros. Rooney proved Australia can count on him when 1977's World Cup games come along.

DAVE HARDING (3) also improved in the second spell, after a rather passive first half, but though he had some plucky shots at goal, he did not play as dominant a role as Rooney.

PETER OLLERTON (5) had quite a duel with Rangers goalie McCloy - a match within the match so to speak. The goalie was on tenterhooks as the big APIA striker tested him throughout with well directed, powerful headers which deserved a better fate. Ollerton's "ground work" was also first class as was his passing. "Ollie" will clearly be Australia's ace trump in attack against the Asians in the World Cup.

TERRY BUTLER (3) was not comfortable in his midfield role for the first half hour, but stuck manfully to his task and improved as the game progressed. It is however, significant that when is 59th minute substitution MIKE MICEVSKI came on, the Aussies literally spat fire in Attack. The former Victorian was in the thick of things and looks a "moral" for plenty of more national team duty.

ERNIE CAMPBELL (3) showed some nice touches, but he lacked the confidence he usually displays in club games to take on his fullback.


written by Lou Gautier