The Lebanese national football team has arrived in Sydney, gearing up for their confrontation with the Socceroos in the second round of World Cup Qualifiers at CommBank Stadium in Parramatta on March 21. Not stopping there, the Cedars are set to duel again with the Socceroos in Canberra at Gio Stadium on March 26.
Amid a challenging phase, the Lebanese squad, having secured draws in their last two World Cup qualifying matches against Palestine and Bangladesh, is keen on clinching a victory over Australia. Currently positioned second in Group I with two points, Lebanon is eyeing the top spot, presently held by Australia with two wins and no losses.
Despite facing the absence of key players, Lebanese men’s national team coach Miodrag Radulovic remains optimistic, highlighting the influx of new, young talent as the foundation for a formidable team that aims to make Lebanon proud.
The upcoming game in Parramatta, a suburb known for its vibrant Lebanese community, is anticipated to be an electrifying match, buoyed by the support of Lebanese fans. Coach Radulovic emphasized the significant morale boost and positive energy the Lebanese supporters bring to the team.
Lebanese midfielder Yousef El Hajj expressed the team’s determination to excel in their upcoming match, underscoring the critical mission ahead.
Remy Wehbe, President of the Australian Lebanese Football Association, shared his enthusiasm for hosting the Lebanese team in Sydney. He views the qualifiers as a splendid opportunity for both the Lebanese and broader Arabic, Australian, and Middle Eastern communities to engage in this sporting spectacle, highlighting the friendly rivalry between the Cedars and the Socceroos in Parramatta and Canberra.
Wehbe acknowledged the challenges ahead for the Cedars but remained hopeful, pointing to the importance of seizing scoring opportunities in football. He also mentioned the expected turnout of 30,000 fans at CommBank Stadium, underscoring the widespread interest in the match.
Previously, Lebanon reached the group stages of the AFC Asian Cup in Qatar in January, where they faced a narrow defeat against Tajikistan. The historical encounters between the Cedars and the Socceroos have seen the latter winning both matches with a 3-0 scoreline, setting the stage for a highly anticipated rematch.