Australia Beats Lebanon 2-0, Securing Spot in World Cup Qualification with Injuries to McGree and Bos

Australia took a significant step towards securing their place in the final round of World Cup qualification with a 2-0 victory over Lebanon. However, the win was marred by injuries to Riley McGree and Jordy Bos, who are unlikely to feature in the upcoming qualifier against Lebanon in Canberra.

McGree, battling plantar fasciitis in his foot from his time at Middlesbrough, and Bos, suffering a knee injury, both had to be substituted in the first half of the match in front of 27,026 fans at CommBank Stadium in Sydney. Coach Graham Arnold stated that both players are likely out for the next game but might see Craig Goodwin returning from a virus.

Despite the setback, Australia displayed a strong performance, with midfielder Keanu Baccus and defender Kye Rowles scoring their maiden international goals. The victory solidified Australia’s position at the top of Group I, and a win in the upcoming match will secure their spot in the final qualification round.

The match started perfectly for the Socceroos as Baccus scored early in the fifth minute with a well-placed cross that eluded the Lebanese goalkeeper. Rowles added to the lead with a goal in the 54th minute after a strong defensive display against Lebanon’s captain Hassan Maatouk.

Lebanon struggled to create significant threats against Australia, with their only dangerous effort hitting the post late in the game. Arnold made substitutions in the second half, bringing on Mitch Duke and giving a debut to John Iredale to maintain control until the final whistle.

Despite the injuries to key players, Australia’s victory over Lebanon puts them in a commanding position in the qualification campaign. The team will look to build on this performance and secure their passage to the next round in the upcoming match against Lebanon.