A Scotland-born centre-back scored a header 18 minutes into thegame from a corner, leading Australia to the top of their 2026 WorldCup qualifying group with two consecutive wins. The goal silencedthe spectators at the 60,000-seater stadium in Kuwait City.
Harry Souttar has been hailed as a “cheat code” after the towering defender scored his 10th goal for Australia in the 1-0 World Cup qualifying win over Palestine.
The Scotland-born centre-back headed in after 18 minutes from a corner to put Australia top of their 2026 World Cup qualifying group with two wins from two.
It silenced the thousands of spectators who turned out at the 60,000-seater stadium in Kuwait City for a match that was moved from the West Bank because of the Israel-Hamas conflict.
It was the Leicester City defender’s second goal in as many internationals and his 10th since making his debut for Australia in 2019, a record more akin to a forward.
“To be fair, on set-pieces he seems to be a bit of a cheat code,” forward Mitchell Duke said.
“I have got to catch him. I didn’t even have a shot on goal tonight, which is a bit frustrating for attackers.”
Palestine proved far tougher opposition than the Bangladesh side that Australia thrashed 7-0 in Melbourne last week to begin their World Cup campaign.
A deflected Brandon Borrello shot was Australia’s only other clear chance over a nervy 90 minutes.
“It’s a great feeling to be on the scoresheet again, scoring for your country is something really special,” said the 25-year-old Souttar, who was born in Aberdeen. — AFP
