Socceroos vs Lebanon in crucial World Cup qualifier

Australia went ahead in its crucial World Cup qualifier against Lebanon thanks to a stunning early goal and never looked back.

Australia celebrate a goal against Lebanon. Picture: Matt King/Getty Images

Australia has won its crucial World Cup qualifier against Lebanon, thanks largely to a stunning early goal from Keanu Baccus – his first in international football.

The Socceroos were facing Lebanon at Commbank Stadium in Parammatta, where Baccus appeared more than a hundred times during his stint with the Western Sydney Wanderers. The 25-year-old now plays for St Mirren in Scotland.

His goal came in just the fifth minute, as he intercepted the ball in Lebanon’s half, sprinted to the right wing, and sent the ball curling across goal.

It may well have been intended as a cross, rather than a shot, but in any case the ball flew into the far top corner.

“Did he mean it? I don’t think anyone cares,” the TV commentator said (accurately).

Kye Rowles, who also plays in Scotland, for Hearts, doubled Australia’s lead early in the second half. A scrappy corner saw the ball fall to him on his left foot, and he guided it calmly into the net. It was also his first goal for Australia.

The Socceroos entered the game on top of Group I in the qualification standings, having won both their previous games, against Bangladesh (7-0) and Palestine (1-0).

They were warm favourites against Lebanon, who are 115th in the world, far below Australia’s position at 23rd in the FIFA rankings.

Another match against the Lebanese will take place in Canberra on Tuesday. It’s officially a Lebanon home game, but was moved due to the political turmoil in the Middle East.

Should the Socceroos win that match as well, they will be guaranteed a spot in the next round of Asian Football Confederation qualifying for the World Cup with another two games to play.

Australia celebrate a goal against Lebanon. Picture: Matt King/Getty Images

Australia entered the game in Parammatta with several veteran players absent due to injury, which forced coach Graham Arnold to tweak his usual formation.

He selected captain Mathew Ryan in goal, with the outfield consisting of Kye Rowles, Harry Souttar, Cameron Burgess, Nathaniel Atkinson, Riley McGree, Jackson Irvine, Keanu Baccus, Connor Metcalfe, Adam Taggart and Kusini Yengi.

The injury woes quickly deepened, with McGree forced off the field with a foot problem inside the first 20 minutes. He was replaced by Jordy Bos.