That’s all from us tonight.
Another World Cup qualifying win for the Socceroos, but plenty of areas for improvement.
We’ll bring you all the live action from their match against Lebanon on Tuesday, but until then, have a good night.
This was published 6 months ago
That’s all from us tonight.
Another World Cup qualifying win for the Socceroos, but plenty of areas for improvement.
We’ll bring you all the live action from their match against Lebanon on Tuesday, but until then, have a good night.
The Socceroos performance tonight is well summed-up by Connor Metcalfe, who just spoke after the match.
That’s full-time in Parramatta, and another clean sheet for the Socceroos.
Despite a late chance for Lebanon after a handball from Ajdin Hrustic, Australia were able to keep the Cedars at bay. A fantastic save from Maty Ryan and a bit of luck with a header that just slipped round the post.
The Socceroos play Lebanon again on Tuesday in Canberra.
Full time: Australia 2, Lebanon 0
Australia have picked up the pace and are on the attack in the final minutes of this game.
Another corner for the home country, and resident tall-guy Harry Souttar is waiting for the header in the box.
The ball bounces around Lebanon’s end before Connor Metcalfe gets a solid boot to ball and sends it straight into the keepers arms.
Five additional minutes added to this half...still time for another goal.
Australia 2, Lebanon 0 after 90 minutes
The Socceroos have become a bit complacent, and the Cedars get within inches of their first goal against Australia.
The ball from Daniel Lajud was lethal, but it bounces off the upright and is cleared by the Australian defenders.
Australia 2, Lebanon 0 with eight minutes to go
Australia look more focused on defending their 2-0 than extending it - there’s a bit more back-and-forth with the ball rather than sweeping attack.
The Socceroos add another yellow card to their tally, this time for Keanu Baccus for tripping Mohamad Haidar.
Australia 2, Lebanon 0 with 12 minutes to go
Maty Ryan has been tested for probably the first time tonight with a soaring ball from Ali Tneich.
A dramatic save from Ryan keeps a clean sheet for the Socceroos, and moments later Nathaniel Atkinson is slapped with a yellow card.
The card is for a push on Mohamad Haidar - I don’t really think there is much in it, it looked like Atkinson was trying to pull away from making contact.
Australia 2, Lebanon 0 after 63 minutes
Another debut international goal for an Australian, this time for Kye Rowles.
The corner curled away, and there were plenty of Lebanese players in the box, but Rowles send the ball towards keeper Mostafa Matar with his left boot, and it clips the edge of the post and pinballs into the back of the net.
That’s the buffer Graham Arnold would want, there’s definitely an opportunity for more if Australia can keep this momentum.
Australia 2, Lebanon 0 after 55 minutes