McGree’s early strike sparks Australia to 3-0 win over Qatar in Doha
Australia beat Qatar 3-0 in Doha on Friday, with Riley McGree opening the scoring in the fifth minute and Tete Yengi (32) and Nestory Irankunda (40) adding second-half goals inside the opening 45 minutes to complete the rout.
The victory allowed the Socceroos to move past a week dominated by off-field controversy after Football Australia revealed on Thursday that their next match had been moved to Doha following player resistance to travelling to Amman; the federation had kept those discussions private and provided only pre-recorded interviews during the dispute. Tony Popovic selected a side close to full strength for the fixture as Australia pressed high and seized control from the start.
McGree’s fifth-minute opener came when he read a pass from goalkeeper Mahmud Abunada, who was under pressure from Tete Yengi; McGree intercepted the ball intended for Assim Madibo and slotted it into the net for his first international goal in more than four years. The Middlesbrough attacker’s finish set the tone for a match in which Australia’s press repeatedly forced turnovers in dangerous areas.
Qatar’s resistance faltered further in the 32nd minute when a shanked clearance from Abunada allowed Connor Metcalfe to win possession and play a perfectly weighted pass that Yengi converted into the bottom corner. Nestory Irankunda made it 3-0 in the 40th minute after a bounced pass from Ahmed Fathy evaded Almoez Ali and was recovered by Metcalfe, who created the chance.
The Maroons managed only limited entries into Australia’s penalty area, not registering a touch there until the 38th minute when they were already trailing 2-0. All three Australian goals originated from their pressing game, a pattern the coach has said he wants to see more of as the side develops.
Qatar’s first recorded shot came from Almoez Ali in the 72nd minute after Popovic had made extensive substitutions; debutant Sam Klein blocked that attempt, and Patrick Beach was ultimately not required to make a save during the match. An Almoez Ali effort in the 88th minute was disallowed for offside.
Local Qatari media reacted by questioning Julen Lopetegui’s tactics and suggesting his position was under threat after a run of poor results in the Arab Cup and World Cup, and the Spanish coach now faces a make-or-break fixture against South Korea next Tuesday. Four players — Sam Klein, Eli Adams, Kasey Bos and Diesel Herrington — made their international debuts in the game for Australia.
Australia will meet Jordan next Tuesday in Doha after the venue change announced on Thursday, while Qatar are scheduled to face South Korea next Tuesday in a match widely framed as crucial for Julen Lopetegui’s future.