The Olyroos dominated and demolished Lebanon at Bluetongue stadium in Gosford on Wednesday night. The Australians beat Lebanon 3-0. In a very entertaining game. The Olyroos played very good football; they kept the ball on the ground and played through the Lebanese defence.

Both teams settled well early on, however an early goal by Nick Ward destroyed the Lebanese rhythm. The goal was beautifully constructed, the Olyroos picked up the ball in midfield then played down the left flank, and a flick by Musialik released Toper-Stanley to whip in a cross for Ward to scissor kick home from the penalty spot.

Australia went on to dominate the match and finished the half strongly with a 2-0 lead. In the second half the Lebanese changed their formation and tactics and put up a bit more of a fight. However the Olyroos were always in control and capped a fantastic performance with a late goal to substitute David Williams. Captain Mark Milligan put in another solid performance and did not miss a beat. Up front Mark Bridge was very efficient and creative, also netting a goal of his own.

A few hours later in Doha, Iraq took on bottom placed DPR Korea. The Lions of the two rivers were missing their captain Ali Rahemma thought suspension and had to reshuffle their defence. Iraq certainly settled early on and took control of the match playing neat passes through midfield and keeping possession in the extreme heat. The game sparked to life in the 21st minute when Khalduon Ibrahim latched onto a perfectly weighted through ball, to lift over the outstretched keeper. Ten minutes later the Koreans were a man down after a two footed challenge from behind on Ali Abbas, forced the referee to hand out a red card to Jon Kwang-ik.

The second half started with DPR Korea pushing forward attempting to snatch an equaliser, but rarely troubled the Iraqi goal. With the Koreans pushing hard for an equaliser, they left their defence vulnerable. The Iraqis were able to get behind the Korean defence with great ease and should have really taken the lead midway though the second half, but Abbas missed an open header in front off goal.

Kerrar Jassim was a constant menace for the Korean defence and set up the second Iraqi goal. On the 69th minute he accelerated forward then slipped a through ball to Ala’a who ran into the penalty box, checked back onto his right foot then blasted the ball into the top right hand corner of the goal.

Iraq dominated the match and played at times exciting and creative football that of which led them to the Asian Cup triumph. The Iraqis are on 7 points, equal with the Australians. Next month the Iraqis travel to DPR Korea whilst Australia will play Lebanon in Beirut.

Alan Mtashar is the 2GLF Football Presenter