Yengi and Stars Shine Bright as Socceroos Crush Palestine 5-0
In a dominant performance at McDonald Jones Stadium, the Australian Socceroos cruised to a comprehensive 5-0 victory over Palestine in a FIFA World Cup qualifier on Tuesday evening. Leading the charge was Melbourne Victory’s rising star, Yengi, who stole the show with a spectacular brace. The 19-year-old forward showcased his blistering pace and clinical finishing to leave the Palestinian defense reeling. The Socceroos opened the scoring in the 8th minute when Yengi latched onto a sublime through ball from captain Mat Ryan and slotted it home with aplomb. His second goal came just 15 minutes later, as he surged into the box and unleashed a powerful shot that flew past the Palestinian goalkeeper. Australia extended their lead in the 35th minute courtesy of a stunning free-kick from Aston Villa midfielder Cameron Mingi. The 23-year-old bent the ball over the wall and into the top corner, leaving the Palestinian players in awe. In the second half, the Socceroos continued to pile on the pressure, with Craig Goodwin adding a fourth goal in the 55th minute. The Adelaide United winger volleyed home from close range after a pinpoint cross from Melbourne City’s Nathaniel Atkinson. The final nail in Palestine’s coffin came in the 75th minute when substitute Mitchell Duke rose highest to head home a corner from Riley McGree. The victory keeps the Socceroos on track for a place in the third round of qualifying for the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar. They now sit atop Group B with a perfect record of four wins from four matches. Yengi emerged as the star of the show, earning plaudits for his exceptional performance. The young forward has now scored three goals in three international appearances and looks set to play a key role for Australia in the years to come. “Yengi is a special talent,” said Socceroos coach Graham Arnold. “He has the speed, skill, and finishing ability to become one of the best forwards in the world. I’m delighted with his performance tonight.” Palestine, despite showing some valiant efforts, were ultimately outclassed by the superior quality of the Australian side. However, the experience gained in this match will be invaluable for their development as a football nation.Australia Demolishes Palestine in World Cup Qualifier
Australia Demolishes Palestine in World Cup Qualifier
Australia’s Socceroos put on a dominant display, defeating Palestine 5-0 in their World Cup qualifier match in Perth. Kusini Yengi opened the scoring with a penalty in the fifth minute and added another in the 41st to give Australia a 3-0 halftime lead. Nestory Irankunda came on as a substitute and scored from the penalty spot in the 88th minute to put the icing on the cake. The 18-year-old celebrated his maiden Socceroos goal with a signature backflip. Adam Taggart scored Australia’s second goal in the 26th minute, while Martin Boyle contributed two assists and a goal in the 53rd minute. Despite being 2-0 down, Palestine fought back, but their bad luck continued as Boyle, who appeared offside, set up Yengi’s second goal. Australia ended this phase of qualifying with a perfect six wins from six outings, with a dominant 22-0 goal record. However, South Korea’s victory over China in Group C means that the Socceroos will face one of Japan, South Korea, or Iran in the next phase of qualifying. Coach Graham Arnold made eight changes to his starting lineup, with only Joe Gauci, Jackson Irvine, and Yengi retaining their spots. Despite the absence of star players, the Socceroos put on a comprehensive performance, with Yengi and Taggart leading the attack. A crowd of 18,261 fans attended Tuesday’s match, with Palestinian supporters outnumbering their Australian counterparts. Palestine’s players were initially furious after Australia was awarded a soft penalty in the third minute, but the decision stood due to the lack of VAR. Australia’s win sends them through to the next phase of qualifying with confidence. They will now face a more challenging group, but the Socceroos have shown that they have the depth and talent to compete at the highest level.Australia’s Socceroos cruised to a comfortable 5-0 victory over Palestine in their World Cup qualifying match in Doha on Thursday, with Awer Mabil scoring a brace. Awer Mabil opened the scoring for the Socceroos in the 18th minute, tapping in from close range after being set up by Harry Souttar. Mabil doubled Australia’s lead just before halftime, finishing off a fine team move involving Mitch Duke and Aaron Mooy. The Socceroos continued to dominate in the second half, with Duke making it 3-0 in the 55th minute with a header from a Mooy cross. Riley McGree added a fourth for Australia in the 79th minute with a powerful strike from just outside the box. Duke completed the scoring in the 89th minute with a close-range finish, ensuring the Socceroos’ biggest win in World Cup qualifying since 2015. The win keeps Australia top of Group B in the second round of Asian qualifying, with six points from two games. Palestine remain bottom of the group with no points from two games.