Australia continued its run of strong performances in the latest fixture of it’s World Cup qualifiers, defeating Nepal 0-3 on Saturday morning (AEST). The skipper on the night and City’s newest signing, Mathew Leckie, was on the scoresheet first, heading home from close range before full-back Fran Karacic doubled the lead before the half-time whistle.
Winger Martin Boyle made it three early in the second half, the Socceroos holding on for a comfortable win.
Connor Metcalfe
Metcalfe made his first Socceroos start and didn’t look out of place. As he has been for City all season, the 21-year-old was a vital cog in the Socceroos’ midfield.
He won the ball back for the first goal, allowing his newest teammate Mathew Leckie to head home from close range. Nothing too dissimilar for City fans, Metcalfe controlled the game across the 90 minutes with his accurate passing.
Mathew Leckie
City’s latest signing caused troubles for the Nepal defence throughout the 90 minutes, the most threatening coming in the early stages, heading home from an Aziz Behich cross.
Captain Leckie does it again 👌
The new @MelbourneCity man heads the @Socceroos into an early lead over Nepal!
🎥: @FOXFOOTBALL#NEPvAUS #AsianQualifiers #AllForTheSocceroos pic.twitter.com/KIzFoUonuW
— Subway Socceroos (@Socceroos) June 11, 2021
Leckie was once again involved for the second goal, providing the assist as Fran Karacic slammed home the second from just inside the box.
Jamie Maclaren
Maclaren was subbed on in the 62nd minute, replacing his newest teammate, leading the line for the national team.
As always, Australia’s number nine found himself in plenty of dangerous areas. Unfortunately Maclaren couldn’t add to his six international goals, but did go close on a number of occasions.
After a full 90 minutes in the last fixture, Curtis Good didn’t make the bench but remains on track to appear in the next Socceroos match.
