Match Report
Australia have emerged victorious in their third qualifier, with goals from Keanu Baccus and Kye Rowles securing a 2-0 victory over Lebanon in Parramatta.
The victory extends Australia's lead at the top of Group I in AFC's second round of qualifiers, with the final round now firmly in the horizon.
Coach Graham Arnold wasted no time in settling Adam Taggart back into international football, starting the Perth striker alongside now established international Kusini Yengi up-front.
A number of Western Sydney natives made their start in Parramatta, with captain Maty Ryan and Keanu Baccus picked in front of their home fans.
It was the local boy Keanu Baccus who opened the scoring early in the first-half after 4 minutes, with a long-range effort which looped above the head of the Lebanon goal-keeper Mostafa Matar.
Early injuries from midfielder Riley McGree and winger Jordan Bos forced the Socceroos into a number of first half changes, with Ajdin Hrustic making his first Socceroos appearance and almost two years, having immediately regained his famous #10 jersey.
Having threatened the opposition's goal a number of times late in the half, Lebanon's defence held firm against a four-man attack, heading the teams into the break at 1-0.
