Rating the 'Roos

Player Ratings:

Mark Schwarzer - 7 - Had very little to do during the game, and was in danger of falling a sleep from jetlag in the first 45 minutes. Kept alert enough to preserve a clean sheet with a fine reflex save just after the hour. Did what was required of him in what was a very quiet night from the defence.

David Carney - 9 - How much has he improved as a player in the past 12 months? Much like he did against Nigeria, he was afforded far too much space, especially in the first half and worked superbly in combination with Mark Bresciano down the left. His ability to do the job at both ends of the ground makes him so valuable to the Socceroos. He belongs in this team now and is one of its key weapons.

Craig Moore - 7 - The veteran did everything asked of him. His presence in the back four makes Australia look so much at ease. And he helped Australia control the pace of the game, taking his time on the ball. Did get booked for a minor indiscretion early in the second half, and was subbed. But can be proud of his final game in a Socceroos top.

Lucas Neill - 7 - Again, not a lot to do for the Aussie captain. Stood up to the minimal pressure from the Qataris very well and got forward on a few occasions to offer another option. He has a huge role to play in this qualification and you couldn't fault his efforts in this match. Will have busier days for the Socceroos in the next two-and-a-bit years.

Brett Emerton - 8 - He is the lungs of this team, providing strength in defence and energy when in attack. He was so relentless in the first half, and delivered an excellent cross to find Josh Kennedy for the opening goal. He is such a class player that any Australian team would be poorer for his absence. His experience will play a vital part in Australia's qualification campaign, especially with Moore retiring

Jason Culina - 7 - Worked well in the defensive midfield, and didn't have a whole lot to clean up with the game being played largely in the attacking half. He is a very experienced and disciplined hand, and enjoyed creating Australia's moves forward at the back of a diamond.

Luke Wilkshire - 8 - Good and very reliable, he also provided an extra attacking option on the overlap. He has grown into his role with the Socceroos with every match, and his corners were excellent, including the one which found Cahill's head for the second goal. Is a very important part of this team.

Mark Bresciano - 8 - Topped an excellent performance with a well-taken goal. Reminded everyone of how good a player he is, and the Qataris afforded him and Carney too much room down the left, where they cut them apart early in the match. Relished playing out on that side, feeding into Scott McDonald, who very much enjoyed the service.

Tim Cahill - 9 - What a brilliant player! Australia is so lucky to have someone of his quality to call on. He could have had a first half hat-trick, such was the space that Qatar gave him. His finishing let him down only slightly, but he netted again, and has such an extraordinary strike rate at this level for a midfielder. World class, and Australia needs him for every game of this campaign.

Josh Kennedy - 8 - A real weapon with his height and mobility. The first goal showed exactly what he has to offer to this side. Defences find him impossible to get on top of, and he really relished being a target man with the nimble McDonald playing off him. His finish was first class. Did fade in the second half, before being injured.

Scott McDonald - 8 - The only thing the Celtic man didn't get was a goal. But he was so good in every other aspect of his game that it didn't matter. He is such a ball of energy and strength, and that's why the Qataris found it so hard to stop him getting the ball. Set up Bresciano for the third goal with an excellent pass. Proved he is up to this grade.

Carl Valeri - 5 - A brief appearance provided little insight into what Valeri can do. Helped sure up Australia's midfield late in the match and he will struggle to demand a first team place while Culina and Vinnie Grella are about. But his experience as a back-up will be important in what may be an arduous campaign.

John Aloisi - 5 - Not the best of Aloisi. He scuffed a very gettable chance late in the game. The match was won by that stage and he has the runs on the board to persist with him as a back-up option for the medium term.

Brett Holman - 5 - Like Aloisi, didn't see too much of him, and he also squandered a chance. He is still yet to prove he can command a place in the best run-on team, but again, he is a suitable back-up option during what will be a long campaign.