A stellar display by Craig Goodwin propelled Australia into the final round of World Cup qualification, highlighted by a ruthless 5-0 dismantling of Lebanon. The winger dominated the game at Canberra’s GIO Stadium, recording two goals and two assists to ensure a landslide victory. The match also served as a breakout moment for Kusini Yengi and John Iredale, who both scored their first goals for the national team, providing Graham Arnold with some much-needed options in the attacking department.
Australia advanced to the final round of World Cup qualification, thanks to a magnificent performance from winger Craig Goodwin in a dominant 5-0 victory over Lebanon. Goodwin scored two goals and assisted on two more in Canberra’s GIO Stadium, helping the Socceroos to clinch a comfortable victory. Kusini Yengi and John Iredale scored their first international goals on a dream night for Graham Arnold’s team, as Australia continues to look for a long-term solution up front.
The team is now set for the third-round qualifiers this September. Their path to the 2026 World Cup depends on finishing among the top two in a group of six teams. If the Socceroos can continue to sharpen their play in the coming fixtures, they are on track to extend their streak to six consecutive World Cup appearances.
The crowd in Canberra didn't have to wait long for the opening goal; within two minutes, Yengi scored following a perfectly weighted curling ball from Goodwin. Yengi's first attempt rattled the post, but he was alert enough to tuck away the rebound. Goodwin continued to haunt the Lebanese backline, creating another opening around the 30-minute mark when Ajdin Hrustic unleashed a shot from just outside the area after a penetrating ball from the wing.
Another clever outside-of-the-boot delivery from Goodwin found Harry Souttar, but the big center-back saw his header hit the post. Despite these near-misses, Australia remained in control. Shortly after the interval, a dangerous set-piece orchestrated by Goodwin forced Lebanon's Bassel Jradi into an own goal, extending the lead just two minutes into the second half.
The momentum continued as Goodwin found room on the left flank and hammered a dipping volley past goalkeeper Mostafa Matar from a significant distance. Having missed the previous 2-0 win over Lebanon due to illness, Goodwin returned with a vengeance, adding a powerful long-range strike and sealing the 5-0 win in the 81st minute, much to the delight of the record-breaking crowd of 25,023.
Coach Graham Arnold shuffled the lineup with four changes, including moving Goodwin into a more advanced role. With the game comfortably won, Arnold introduced Patrick Yazbek and Josh Nisbet for their international debuts. Yazbek made an immediate impact, providing a superb cross for Iredale to finish. Compared to their 2-0 victory in Sydney five days prior, the Socceroos looked far more clinical in front of goal and remained rock-solid at the back, leaving Lebanon with virtually no openings.