Footballer catches goalkeeper out with spectacular goal in World Cup qualifier… but did he mean it?

Keanu Baccus scored a wonder goal in Australia’s World Cup qualifier against Lebanon, although fans are wondering if the midfielder intended to find the back of the net.

The Socceroos got off to a good start in Thursday night’s competition at CommBank Stadium, with the St Mirren star breaking the deadlock in the group competition.

Collecting a loose pass from the midfielder, Baccus came down the right flank before firing a ball towards goal.

Lebanese goalkeeper Mostafa Matar was caught off guard by the trajectory of the ball, which sailed over his head, hit the base of the post and nestled in the back of the net.

Baccus, seemingly unfazed by his spectacular effort, embraced the Socceroos faithful in celebration of his goal.

Some fans suggested that Baccus did not intend to score in the opening minutes of the match.

“Did he mean it?” » asked commentator Simon Hill. “I don’t think anyone cares!” »

“It’s strange for Baccus, his first two touches of the ball were very wayward,” said his co-expert. “Whether it’s a cross or a shot doesn’t matter to him.”

Socceroos fans on Twitter were also not convinced that Baccus intended to direct his delivery towards goal.

“So, do you call a mishit cross a banger?” » asked one fan.

Another said cynically: “A complete accident. Shows how unreliable his crossing is.

“That’s not the kind of goal we want against a weak opponent. We want to dominate through skill, not luck.

Kye Rowles doubled the hosts’ advantage in the second half with his first ever goal for his country.

But injuries to McGree and Bos, who were replaced by the returning Ajdin Hrustic, tarnished an encouraging first half.

Lebanon did not cause Australia many problems, but Rowles recovered well after being troubled by some incisive runs and overlaps centered around his captain Hassan Maatouk.

Australia weathered a late Lebanese storm before the break, with Rowles hacking home a corner to relieve the pressure and give the home side a 2-0 lead after 54 minutes.

From that point on, Lebanon didn’t really look like challenging Australia, save for one shot that hit the post in the final quarter of an hour.

Arnold started Mitch Duke and gave Germany striker John Iredale a debut to end the second half.