Lebanon 0-5 Australia

In a commanding display, the Socceroos initiated their match against their visitors with a quick offensive thrust at Gio Stadium in Canberra. Kusini Yengi opened the scoring in just the second minute, setting the tone for the rest of the match.

Own Goal Extends Advantage

Continuing their momentum into the second half, the home side saw their lead grow further with an own goal from the opposing team early in the second period. This additional goal doubled their advantage, putting them in a commanding position.

Man-of-the-Match Brilliance from Craig Goodwin

Winger Craig Goodwin delivered a standout performance, earning himself the title of man of the match. His exceptional play was highlighted by a stunning goal that further extended the Socceroos’ lead to 3-0, leaving the visitors struggling to keep pace.

Late Goals Seal the Deal

Substitute John Iredale joined in on the scoring action, finding the net to further solidify the Socceroos’ dominance. Craig Goodwin capped off his impressive performance with another goal, wrapping up a comprehensive victory for Graham Arnold’s men.

Early Setback for Lebanon

Miodrag Radulovic’s Lebanon side faced an early setback in their Matchday Three clash at Western Sydney Stadium, conceding a goal just five minutes into the tie. The last thing they would have wanted was to let in another early goal.

Quick Response from the Socceroos

Unfortunately for the visitors, their concerns were realized as the Socceroos struck again just two minutes after kick-off. A well-executed Connor Metcalfe pass sent Craig Goodwin racing down the left flank, delivering a precise low cross into the box. Despite initial resistance from Lebanon’s defense, Kusini Yengi managed to slot home the ball at the second attempt, securing his first international goal.

Metcalfe Denied by Matar

Connor Metcalfe had an opportunity to extend the hosts’ lead when Ali Tneich’s deflection of a long ball fell into his path. The Socceroos’ number eight advanced towards goal but was thwarted by Lebanon goalkeeper Mostafa Matar in the 20th minute, preserving the visitors’ hopes.

Souttar’s Header Hits the Post

In the dying moments of the first half, another promising chance presented itself for the Socceroos. Craig Goodwin delivered a pinpoint cross into the area with the outside of his left foot. Harry Souttar rose to meet the ball with a downward header, only to see his effort ricochet off the back post and out for a goal kick, denying the hosts a further goal before halftime.

The second half kicked off much like the first, with Australia finding the back of the net just two minutes into the restart. Craig Goodwin’s free-kick into the box resulted in an unfortunate own goal by Lebanon’s Bassel Jradi, who inadvertently redirected the ball into his own net after Mostafa Matar saved Harry Souttar’s initial header.

Goodwin’s Clinical Finish

Barely a minute later, Craig Goodwin capitalized on his stellar performance by adding a goal to his name. Ajdin Hrustic provided the assist, finding Goodwin on the left side. The 32-year-old winger unleashed a powerful strike from the edge of the penalty area, beating Matar and finding the opposite corner of the net to further solidify Australia’s lead.

Lebanon’s Near Miss

Lebanon came agonizingly close to pulling one back on 51 minutes when Nader Matar unleashed a speculative effort from 25 yards out. The shot beat Australia goalkeeper Mat Ryan but struck the crossbar, denying Lebanon a chance to narrow the deficit.

Substitute Combination Extends Australia’s Lead

Australia effectively ended any hopes of a Lebanon comeback on 68 minutes when substitutes combined to make it 4-0. Patrick Yazbek initiated the attack, surging forward down the left flank on the counter. He then found John Iredale inside the box, who calmly netted his maiden Socceroos goal from close range, further solidifying Australia’s commanding lead.

Goodwin’s Brilliance Continues

In the closing stages of the match, Craig Goodwin continued his impressive performance by adding another goal to his tally. He displayed smart finishing at the back post, capitalizing on John Iredale’s cross from the right. With just nine minutes remaining, Goodwin’s goal rounded off a superb night for Australia, further highlighting his impact on the game.

Upcoming Fixtures

Australia’s next Group I fixture will see them travel away to face Bangladesh on June 6th. Meanwhile, Lebanon, known as the Cedars, will aim to bounce back as they take on Palestine on the same date. Both teams will be eager to secure positive results in their respective matches as they continue their campaign in the qualifiers.