Report: Boyle hits double as Caltex Socceroos farewell Cahill in style against Lebanon
Martin Boyle grabbed a brace on his Caltex Socceroos starting debut as Australia farewelled Tim Cahill in style, beating Lebanon 3-0 at ANZ Stadium on Tuesday night.
The 25-year-old struck an opening-half double and laid on a second-half strike for Mathew Leckie in front of 33,268 fans in Sydney.
Cahill entered the field to a standing ovation in the 82nd minute for his 108th and final Caltex Socceroos appearance, as Australia extended their unbeaten run in international friendlies to six consecutive matches.
Mathew Ryan, Trent Sainsbury, Aziz Behich and Aaron Mooy were the only survivors from the starting eleven who drew 1-1 with Korea Republic in Brisbane last Saturday evening.
One change saw Boyle summoned for his first Caltex Socceroos start, and the Hibernian attacker was rewarded for a lively opening when he fired in his first goal for Australia via the aid of a deflection after a mazy dribble from the left flank.
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Boyle sealed his brace and underlined a dominant 45 minutes from the Caltex Socceroos on the cusp of the interval, teeing a rebound across the line after Milos Degenek thumped Mooy’s corner against the crossbar with a bullet header.
Behich came close to celebrating his 12th consecutive Caltex Socceroos start early in the second half with a goal, but his fierce right-foot drive flashed into the side netting after some neat build up with Awer Mabil.
Australia did have their third midway through the second half, as Boyle clipped an inch-perfect cross into the area for Leckie to drill home on the half-volley.
Andrew Nabbout sent two opportunities just over the bar and hit the post in an eventful late cameo, while only some desperate Lebanon defending prevented Cahill from etching another moment into his glittering Caltex Socceroos record.
