Craig Goodwin steals the show as Socceroos thump Lebanon 5-0

Australia has secured a spot in the final round of World Cup qualification following an impressive performance by winger Craig Goodwin, who led them to a 5-0 victory over Lebanon.

Playing at Canberra’s GIO Stadium, Goodwin scored two goals and assisted in another two with exceptional deliveries into the box, leading the Socceroos to a comfortable win.

Coach Graham Arnold praised Goodwin’s leadership qualities, highlighting his importance to the team as they aim for their sixth consecutive trip to the FIFA World Cup finals.

With their place secured in the third-round qualifiers starting in September, Australia now has the opportunity to qualify for the 2026 World Cup by finishing in the top two of a six-team group.

It was a memorable night for Australia as Kusini Yengi and John Iredale both scored their first international goals, further strengthening the team’s attacking options.

Goodwin’s standout performance included setting up Yengi for an early goal, creating chaos that led to an own goal, and scoring a stunning volley to put the team 3-0 ahead.

Arnold emphasized Goodwin’s growth as a player and leader, praising his set-piece deliveries and overall impact on the team.

Despite the convincing win, Arnold urged his team to continue developing a killer instinct to secure victories more decisively in future matches.

Lebanon, who conceded early for the second consecutive game against Australia, missed opportunities to equalize but ultimately fell short.

AAP