- 21
- Mar
- 2024
World Cup Qualifiers 2026: Lebanon Loses First Match to Australia in Sydney
modified on 11 Apr. 2024 à 15:56 Read : 3 minute(s) A A A
The Lebanese national football team suffered its first defeat in the joint Asian qualifiers for the 2026 FIFA World Cup and the 2027 AFC Asian Cup against host team Australia, with a score of 0-2. The match took place at CommBank Stadium in Parramatta, west of Sydney, as part of the third day of Group Nine.
An Unsurprising Starting 11
For this crucial match, coach Radolovic opted for a classic starting line-up, strongly reminiscent of the one used at the last Asian Cup. His team featured three defenders, five midfielders and two forwards.
In goal, Mostafa Matar was in charge. In defense, Khalil Khamis, Maher Sabra and Walid Shour lined up. The midfield featured Nassar Nassar, Hassan Srour, Bassel Jradi, Ali Tneich and Shibriko. Finally, in attack, the team counted on Hassan Maatouk as captain, accompanied by Omar Chaaban Bugiel.
Strong Australian Pressure
The first half began with strong pressure from the Socceeros team, culminating in a goal as early as the fifth minute. Baccus unleashed a powerful shot, initially intended as a long pass outside the penalty area, but which found the back of Matar's net.
The Cedars struggled to find their rhythm throughout this period, being heavily oppressed by Australian counter-attacks. However, the Lebanese defense held firm and, with Mostafa Matar on several occasions, prevented further goals.
In the 14th minute, McGree was injured and had to give way to Jordan Bos, number five. Bos in turn was injured in the 40th minute after an altercation with Maher Sabra and was replaced by Hrustic.
Mostafa Matar also made a fine save in the 18th minute, thwarting a possible header, as did Hassan Maatouk's first dangerous shot in the 22nd minute. Despite the Australian pressure, the Lebanese defense remained solid and even managed to thwart two counter-attacks in the 30th minute.
The second half began with a second Australian goal in the 54th minute, scored by Rowles. Despite the Lebanese team's efforts to get back into the match, the Australian pressure was persistent.
In the 74th minute, Nader Matar replaced Ali Tneich, breathing new life into the team. Karim Darwich also came on for Chaaban, hoping to turn things around.
Radolovic's Controversial Choices for Lahoud and Bitar
When they came on, Lahoud and Bitar breathed new life into the team. Lahoud, young and resilient unlike most of the starters, posed a real threat to the opposing defense throughout his 24 minutes on the pitch. The key player for Club Atlante in Mexico once again demonstrated that his presence in attack is crucial, raising questions as to why Radolovic is not giving him a starting berth.
As for Bitar, although his playing time only lasted five minutes, he showed undeniable professionalism. His fabulous free-kick attempt in the last minute could have changed the course of the game, had it not been saved by AZ Alkmaar goalkeeper Matthew Ryan.
Despite their best efforts in the final minutes, the Lebanese team failed to score, and the match ended in defeat.
The Lebanese delegation will travel by land to the Australian capital Canberra, a four-hour drive from Sydney, where the two teams will play their second official match on Tuesday.
Still ranked second in our group (I) after Australia, the teams from Palestine and Bangladesh will meet today at 8:30 PM Beirut time. This will define the group's temporary standings ahead of Tuesday's match. Note that only the top two teams in each group qualify for the next round of World Cup 2026 qualifiers.
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