The return of Craig Goodwin and his exquisite left foot has propelled the Socceroos into the next round of World Cup qualifying with a 5-0 victory over Lebanon, confirming his status as one of Australia’s most important players with a virtuoso performance in the nation’s capital.

Goodwin missed last week’s 2-0 win in Sydney due to illness but recovered in time to start on Tuesday night - and he put on an absolute clinic for the sold-out crowd at Canberra’s GIO Stadium, which began when he set up Kusini Yengi’s first international goal in just the second minute with an inch-perfect cross.

He was at it again two minutes into the second half, floating in a free kick that was eventually bundled over for an own goal, credited to Bassel Jradi, after Harry Souttar’s initial header was saved and Jackson Irvine’s follow-up effort helped squeeze the ball over the line.

Just two minutes later came the South Australian’s pièce de résistance - a sweetly-struck shot from the edge of the box with his trusty left boot that whistled into the back of the net with a sense of destiny.

Graham Arnold also sent on two debutants, midfielders Patrick Yazbek and Josh Nisbet, with the former providing the pass for Iredale, who earned his first cap in Sydney five days before, to extend Australia’s lead to four goals in the 68th minute.

The only sour note for Australia was another injury to playmaker Ajdin Hrustic, who was scythed down by Lebanese midfielder Ali Tneich just moments after assisting Goodwin’s goal with a delightful chip over the top. Hrustic waved away a stretcher that was brought onto the field for him before hobbling off with the assistance of two trainers, unable to put pressure on his left foot.

Read Vince Rugari’s full piece here.