Footballer catches goalkeeper out with spectacular goal in World Cup qualifier… but did he mean it?

Keanu Baccus scored a wondergoal during Australia’s World Cup qualifier against Lebanon, although fans have questioned whether the midfielder intended for his effort to find the back of the net.

The Socceroos got off to a flying start in Thursday night’s contest at CommBank Stadium, with the St Mirren star breaking the deadlock in the group contest.

Picking up a loose pass from midfield, Baccus drove down the right flank before launching a ball goalwards.

Lebanon keeper Mostafa Matar was caught off-guard by the trajectory of the ball, which looped over his head, struck the base of the post and nestled into the back of the net. 

Baccus, seemingly unfazed by his spectacular effort, embraced the Socceroos faithful in celebration of his goal. 

Some fans have suggested that Baccus did not intend to score in the early minutes of the game

‘Did he mean it?’ commentator Simon Hill asked. ‘I don’t think anyone cares!’

‘Bizzarerely for Baccus his first two touches of the ball were very wayward,’ his co-pundit said. ‘Whether it was a cross or shot won’t matter to him.’ 

Socceroos fans on Twitter were also unconvinced that Baccus intended to direct his delivery goalwards.

‘So are we calling a mishit cross a banger?’ one fan asked.

Another cynically said: ‘A complete accident. Shows how unreliable his crossing is.

‘Not the sort of goal we want against a weak opponent. We want to dominate through skill, not luck.’

Kye Rowles doubled the hosts’ advantage in the second half with his first ever goal for his country.

More to follow.