Star’s masterclass sends five-star Aussies into next stage of WC qualis despite another injury blow

A Craig Goodwin masterclass has secured the Socceroos’ place in the next stage of World Cup qualifying, the veteran winger sparking a 5-0 win over Lebanon.

In front of a record GIO Stadium crowd of 25,023 (the largest for a football match in Canberra), Goodwin’s left boot tore Lebanon’s defence apart time and again in a sublime performance, setting up two goals before scoring twice himself.

There were debuts for two players – youngsters Patrick Yazbek and Josh Nisbet – while Kusini Yengi scored his maiden goal in the green and gold before second-gamer John Iredale matched that feat off the bench in the second half.

But the night was marred by a worrying injury to playmaker Ajdin Hrustic, who was scythed down in the second half and looked distraught as he limped from the field.

The victory means the Socceroos are through to the next round of World Cup qualifying with two matches…