The Subway Socceroos have produced a near-faultless record in their Canberra clashes and will extend that record if they earn another victory on Tuesday.
Australia have averaged 3.6 goals per game in the nation's capital, including four victories and only one defeat in their five matches.
Here’s a rundown of how those games played out.
1996 | 5-0 win vs Tahiti | 1996 OFC Nations Cup Final
Australia welcomed Tahiti to Bruce Stadium in November 1996 as the teams played for that year’s two-legged OFC Nations Cup.
The Aussies went into the game with a commanding 6-0 lead, following a clinical performance at Olympic Stadium in Papeete, with former NSL forward Kris Trajanovski grabbing a four-goal haul.
The Socceroos did not take their foot off the gas in the second leg as Trajanovski notched a hat-trick while Robbie Hooker also got on the scoresheet.
Former captain Paul Wade also played his final match for the Socceroos that day.
2009 | 1-0 loss vs Kuwait | AFC Asian Cup 2011™ Qualifiers
The Socceroos next played in Canberra in 2009 at Bruce Stadium for their 2011 Asian Cup qualifier against Kuwait, suffering their only Canberra defeat to date.
The hosts conceded seven minutes before halftime and were unable to get back into the game, being edged out by Al-Azraq.
A-Leagues legend Archie Thompson was the main striker that day, with fellow former A-Leagues regulars Matthew McKay and Eugen Galekovic also in the squad.
2011 | 5-0 win vs Malaysia | International Friendly
Australia’s next trip to the capital came more than two years later, in 2011, for a friendly battle with Malaysia at Canberra Stadium.
The Socceroos made light work of their opponents, turning on the style and recording a 5-0 scoreline.
Luke Wilkshire gave the side a lead inside three minutes before a Joshua Kennedy brace and an Alex Brosque goal put the team four goals up going into the sheds.
Brosque bagged his second midway through the second half to round out the result for Australia.
2015 | 3-0 win vs Kyrgyzstan | FIFA World Cup 2018™ Qualifiers
The Socceroos played again in Canberra four years later, welcoming Kyrgyzstan to GIO Stadium for a 2018 World Cup qualifier.
Captain Mile Jedinak broke the deadlock from the spot five minutes before the break, and Tim Cahill doubled the side’s advantage soon after the restart.
Ildar Amirov scored an own goal for Kyrgyzstan, adding further gloss to the Socceroos' performance.
The result helped Australia back into a strong position in the battle for 2018 World Cup qualification.
2019 | 5-0 win vs Nepal | FIFA World Cup 2022™ Qualifiers
Australia’s most recent Canberra outing was against Nepal in 2019, as they looked to secure another step towards qualifying for the 2022 World Cup.
Current A-Leagues star Jamie Maclaren scored twice inside the first 20 minutes, and then Harry Souttar grabbed a debut goal midway through the first period.
Souttar scored his second just before the hour mark, and Maclaren notched his hat-trick in the dying embers of the match.
Defender Souttar announced himself to Australian fans that day.
On his return to Canberra on Tuesday, he will seek another clean sheet and continue his prolific goalscoring record that he started there around five years ago.
What's coming up in Canberra?
Canberra’s sports calendar is full of games for spectators. GIO Stadium hosts the Brumbies’ and Canberra Raiders’ home games. AFL fans can cheer on the GWS Giants at Manuka Oval.
For those looking to test their skills, there’s something for all ages. Kids can play football at the Kanga Cup (7 - 12 July 2024), university students can compete at UniSport Nationals (7 - 13 September 2024), and everyone else can see amazing views as they complete The Canberra Times Marathon Festival (7 April 2024).
A city surrounded by nature, Canberra is built to be explored. Cyclists traverse Canberra’s extensive bike paths and mountain biking trails, while hikers conquer the city’s five urban peaks and kayakers take to Lake Burley Griffin. See what’s on and plan your next sporting adventure today.
Match Details
Lebanon v Subway Socceroos
Tuesday, 26 March 2024
GIO Stadium, Canberra
Kick-off: 7.45pm AEDT
Tickets: Start from $15 Child, $20 Concession, $25 Adult, and $50 Family via Ticketek
Broadcast: 10 Bold, 10 Play and Paramount+