Lebanon national football team
Encyclopedia
The Lebanon national football team represents the Republic of Lebanon
in international association football
. Their official nickname is The Cedars. The team is controlled by the Federation Libanaise de Football Association
(FLFA) which is a member of the FIFA
, the Asian Football Confederation
(AFC) and also the West Asian Football Federation
(WAFF).
Lebanon have never qualified for the FIFA World Cup
nor to the Olympic Games
. Lebanon hosted the 2000 AFC Asian Cup
were they were eliminated from the group stage and it was their only participation. Lebanon participated in 4 / 6 times in the West Asian Football Federation Championship
, having played at the 2000 tournament in Jordan, the 2002 tournament in Syria, the 2004 tournament in Iran and the 2007 tournament in Jordan with all being knocked out also from the group stage. Lebanon also participated in 6 / 8 times in the Arab Nations Cup
in which they hosted the 1963 tournament finishing in 3rd place and 4th place in the 1964 tournament in Kuwait and the 1966 tournament in Iraq. Finally, Lebanon participated in 8 / 10 Pan Arab Games
and managed to earn the bronze medals in the 1957 and the 1997 men's football tournements in which they both hosted. They also managed a 4th place in the 1961 men's football tournament in Morocco.
and later throughout the years, they began playing some of their home matches at the Saida International Stadium
. Lebanon's biggest win was recorded on September 28th, 1967 when they defeated the phillipines 11-1. In all of Lebanons' attempts to qualify for the FIFA World Cup
since the first participation in 1994, they were always able to qualify to the round before that final round that led to the direct qualification to the FIFA World Cup
.
. Under coach Josip Skoblar
, Lebanon were drawn into Group A along side Iran
, Iraq
and Thailand
. On October 12th, Lebanon faced Iran where they found themselves losing 4–0. On October 15th, Lebanon faced Iraq in Beirut
where Sabah Jaeer Khalaf scored two goals in 22 minutes for Iraq. Abbas Chahrour scored for Lebanon at the 28 minutes before Moussa Hojeij
equalized at the 76 minutes for a 2–2 draw. On October 18th, Lebanon went behind in their last group stage fixture when Seksan Piturat scored for Thailand at the 58 minutes. Luís Fernandez equalized for the home side at the 83 minute as the match resulted in a 1–1 draw.
, Lebanon were drawn with Pakistan
, Sri Lanka
and Thailand
in the first round
of the qualifiers. On May 13th, 2001 in Beirut
, Lebanon defeated Pakistan 6–0. The result included hat-trick
from Haitham Zein
. On May 15th, Lebanon hosted Sri Lanka where they would beat the visitors 4–0 with two goals from Roda Antar
and one from each Moussa Hojeij
and Mohammad Kassas
. On May 17th, Lebanon found themselves with a 1–0 lead after 9 minutes when Roda Antar
netted for the home side. Seksan Piturat and Kiatisuk Senamuang
would then both score for Thailand to give them a 2–1 win. With the next three fixtures staged in Bangkok, Lebanon stormed to an 8–1 win against Pakistan with Wartan Ghazarian
, Roda Antar
and Gilberto dos Santos all scoring two goals each. Lebanon would then score five goals past Sri Lanka two days later. Second placed Lebanon needed three points from their final group stage fixture against first placed Thailand to advance to the second round
. Lebanon took the lead on 35 minutes when Wartan Ghazarian
scored. Lebanon held that lead until Thailand scored on 73 minutes and again on 77 minutes. Moussa Hojeij
equalized for Lebanon on 87 minutes as the match finished 2–2.
, Lebanon faced Iran
, Jordan
and North Korea. On September 4th, 2003, Lebanon faced North Korea in Pyongyang. A goal from Buddy Farah
saw Lebanon defeat the home side 1–0. It was reported that prior to the Lebanon-North Korea fixture the Lebanese camp had been mis-treated as hotel conditions were very poor and their training field contained goats and sheep. Lebanon were defeated by Jordan on October 17th before drawing 1–1 with North Korea in Lebanon on November 3th. Lebanon then went on to lose their next three games, a 2–0 defeat to Jordan on November 12th, a 3–0 home defeat to Iran on November 19th and a 1–0 away defeat in Iran saw Lebanon finish in third place of their respective group having only claimed four points.
of qualifiers where they grouped with South Korea, Vietnam
and Maldives
. Coach Mahmoud Hamoud took with him a team of domestic based players to Suwon where Lebanon faced South Korea on February 18th, 2004. Lebanon were without captain Roda Antar
for the fixture. Lebanon could have taken the lead on 30 minutes where they had won a penalty, however, Lee Woon-Jae
saved the spot kick. South Korea won the match 2–0. Lebanon then faced Vietnam in Nam Dinh on March 31th with two late second-half goals from Roda Antar
and Khaled Hamieh
on 83 and 88 minutes sealed a 2–0 victory. On June 9th, Lebanon faced Maldives in Beirut
. Both Haitham Zein
and Roda Antar
scored in the 3–0 win before 81 minute substitute Ali Nasseredine
added the third just twelve minutes after entering the field. On September 8th, Lebanon played the return-leg against Malvides in Malé. Ali Nasseredine
opening the scoring after four minutes, then Faisal Antar
would also score to give Lebanon a 2–0 half-time lead. Another goal from Nasseredine and two from Mahmoud Chahoud and Roda Antar
brought the score-line to 5–0 before Maldives grabbed two late goals to finish the game at 5–2. On October 13th, Lebanon hosted South Korea in Beirut
. Second placed Lebanon had gained 9 points going into their second last game where as South Korea, who were on top of the group, had gained 10 points. South Korea defender
Choi Jin-Cheul
scored on 8 minutes. On 28 minutes a back pass played to South Korea's Lee Woon-Jae
was fumbled allowing Ali Nasseredine
to equalize by passing the ball into an un-guarded net. The 1–1 draw was insufficient for Lebanon to proceed to the third round
when on the last day of the qualifiers Lebanon drew 0–0 with Vietnam in Beirut
as South Korea would beat Maldives 2–0 in Seoul to progress to the next round.
and Kuwait
. The scheduled meeting of Australia and Lebanon made Buddy Farah
declare to return to the national side. On February 22nd, 2006, Lebanon hosted Kuwait in Beirut
. On 25 minutes Kuwait's Fahad Al Fahad
opened the scoring for the visitors before Ali Nasseredine
headed into the net from a set-piece to level the scores on 70 minutes. Prior to Lebanon's fixture with Bahrain on August 16th, 2006, it was announced on August 1st that the AFC
had accepted a withdrawal request from the Federation Libanaise de Football Association
due to the 2006 Israel-Lebanon conflict
, which forced several players to leave their homes to evade the war. The results of the Lebanon-Kuwait game were declared null and void and did not count towards the group rankings.
in a bid to qualify directly for the third round of qualifiers. On October 8th, 2007, Lebanon hosted India. After a 30 minute goal from India's Sunil Chhetri, goals from Roda Antar
, Mahmoud El Ali
and two from Mohammed Ghaddar
helped Lebanon to a 4–1 win. Mohammed Ghaddar
would score another two goals in the return-leg as both sides drew 2–2 in Goa on October 30th. Lebanon won 6–3 on aggregate and advanced to the third round. The campaign saw the absence of defender Youssef Mohamad
who reportedly had a disagrement with Lebanon's assistant coach Adnan Meckdache where he had intensely criticized the Lebanese Football Federation
and the national team coach. He was suspended by the Football Federation and would be allowed to return on the condition that he would apologize to the Lebanese F.A. and it's national team coach for the critical stance. Lebanon were then grouped with Saudi Arabia
, Singapore and Uzbekistan
. On February 6th, 2008, Lebanon were defeated 1–0 by Uzbekistan in Beirut
. Lebanon then went on to lose 2–0 to Singapore on March 26th and 4–1 to Saudi Arabia in Riyadh on June 2nd, having been 1–0 infront after Mahmoud El Ali
scored on 43 minutes. Lebanon's following fixture with Saudi Arabia was moved from Beirut
to Riyadh where on June 7th Saudi Arabia would narrowly win 2–1 with two goals in each half from Saudi striker Redha Tukar
before Mohammed Ghaddar
grabbed a consulation goal on 93 minutes. Having been already elminiated from the third-round, Lebanon were defeated 3–0 by Uzbekistan in Tashkent on June 14th. On June 22nd in Beirut, Lebanon took a 1–0 lead when Signapore defender
Baihakki Khaizan
netted an own goal. Lebanon's Ramez Dayoub
scored an own goal at the other end on 72 minutes before John Wilkinson
gave the visitors a 2–1 victory.
, the two lowest ranked AFC teams, played home-and-away matches in the preliminary round in April 2008 where the winner would proceed to the next round of qualifiers. On April 9th, Lebanon cruised to a 4–0 home win with goals coming from Mahmoud El Ali
, Ali Yaacoub
, Abbas Ahmed Atwi
and Mohammed Ghaddar
all in the first half. In the return-leg goals from Mohamad Korhani
and Nasrat Al Jamal
helped Lebanon to a 2–1 win in Malé on April 23rd. Lebanon were then drawn into Group D of the qualifiers along with China
, Syria
and Vietnam
. On January 14th, 2009, Lebanon were defeated 3–1 to Vietnam in Hanoi. Lebanon went on to face three consecuitive defeats without scoring a single goal, having lost 2–0 to Syria on January 28th, 2–0 to China in Beirut
on November 14th and 1–0 again to China in Hangzhou on November 22nd. With two group stage fixtures remaining, Lebanon hosted Vietnam in Saida
on January 6th, 2010. Mahmoud El Ali
opened the scoring for Lebanon on 20 minutes before Pham Thanh Luong equalized on 40 minutes. The match resulted in a 1–1 draw. In Lebanon's last group stage match they travelled to Damascus where they faced a 4–0 defeat by Syria at the Abbasiyyin Stadium on March 3rd.
, who was re-appointed as head coach of the national team on May 5th, 2011, Lebanon were drawn into the second round
of qualifiers where they faced Bangladesh
. Lebanon defeated Bangladesh 4–0 in Beirut
on July 23rd before losing 2–0 in Dhaka five days later. Lebanon advanced to the third round
of the qualifiers where they were grouped with South Korea, Kuwait
and United Arab Emirates
. Just under one week later, Emile Rustom
resigned as head coach, citing obstacles such as internal administrative problems as the reason for his departure.
On August 8th, 2011, Theo Bücker
became Lebanon's new head coach. The former national team manager took over the reigns ten years after leaving the position, bringing with him the intention of looking to "showcase Lebanese talent and give a good account of the game in the country." At their first match, South Korea defeated Lebanon 6–0 at the Goyang Stadium. Theo Bucker
stated that "more than coming here to win, we came to prepare for the next game," indicating that he was more conerned about getting a result against United Arab Emirates and Kuwait in order to progress to the next round. Four days later, Lebanon came back from a goal down to beat the United Arab Emirates 3–1. UAE striker Mahmoud Khamees
put the visitors in front after 15 minutes. Lebanon replied with goals from Mohammed Ghaddar
, Akram Moghrabi
and Roda Antar
, who was awarded the man of the match.
Lebanon then hosted Kuwait in Beirut
on October 11th. Hassan Maatouk
scored after 15 minutes, giving Lebanon a 1–0 lead until Kuwait's Musaed Neda
equalized with a header. With six minutes left to go, Kuwait's Hussain Fadel
brought down Akram Moghrabi
in the penalty area. Hassan Maatouk
scored his second goal after converting the penalty to give Lebanon a 2–1 lead. However, Lebanon's Mahmoud Younes allowed the Kuwaitis to come away with a point after scoring into his own net only two minutes later. After the 2–2 draw, Bucker stated "if we had equalized in the last minute we would be happy." Approximately 32,000 spectators were present for the first time since 2005 when the Lebanese F.A. had barred fans from entering the stadiums due to bad behaviour. On November 11th, Lebanon beat Kuwait 1-0 with a goal scored by Mahmoud El Ali
at the 57 minutes mark at the Jaber Al-Ahmad International Stadium
in Kuwait. In November 15 2011 Lebanon hosted South Korea at the Camille Chamoun Sports City Stadium
in Bierut. Over 40,000 spectators were present to cheer for the Lebanese national team. After 4 minutes Lebanon took te lead by Ali Al Saadi
, 11 minutes later Korea equalized the scoreline by a penalty kick. At the 30 minute of the match Lebanon was given a penalty kick after Mahmoud El Ali
was tackeled inside the penalty area. Lebanon then took the lead after Abbas Ahmed Atwi
perfectly delivered the ball into the net from the penalty spot and giving Lebanon a 2-1 victory for the first time in history against South Korea.
----
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----
----
match against United Arab Emirates
on February 29th, 2012. Caps and goals are as of November 15th, 2011.
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Lebanon
Lebanon , officially the Republic of LebanonRepublic of Lebanon is the most common term used by Lebanese government agencies. The term Lebanese Republic, a literal translation of the official Arabic and French names that is not used in today's world. Arabic is the most common language spoken among...
in international association football
FIFA
The Fédération Internationale de Football Association , commonly known by the acronym FIFA , is the international governing body of :association football, futsal and beach football. Its headquarters are located in Zurich, Switzerland, and its president is Sepp Blatter, who is in his fourth...
. Their official nickname is The Cedars. The team is controlled by the Federation Libanaise de Football Association
Federation Libanaise de Football Association
The Lebanese Football Association is the governing body of football in Lebanon. It organizes the Lebanon national football team, the Lebanon women's national football team, the Lebanon national under-23 football team, the Lebanon national under-20 football team, the Lebanon national under-17...
(FLFA) which is a member of the FIFA
FIFA
The Fédération Internationale de Football Association , commonly known by the acronym FIFA , is the international governing body of :association football, futsal and beach football. Its headquarters are located in Zurich, Switzerland, and its president is Sepp Blatter, who is in his fourth...
, the Asian Football Confederation
Asian Football Confederation
The Asian Football Confederation is the governing body of association football in Asia. It has 46 member countries, mostly located on the Asian continent. However, due to the disputed boundary of Europe and Asia, nations such as Russia and Turkey which are located mostly in geographic Asia are...
(AFC) and also the West Asian Football Federation
West Asian Football Federation
The West Asian Football Federation , founded in 2001, is an association of the football playing nations in Western Asia. Its founding members are Iran, Iraq, Jordan, Lebanon, Palestine and Syria....
(WAFF).
Lebanon have never qualified for the FIFA World Cup
FIFA World Cup
The FIFA World Cup, often simply the World Cup, is an international association football competition contested by the senior men's national teams of the members of Fédération Internationale de Football Association , the sport's global governing body...
nor to the Olympic Games
Olympic Games
The Olympic Games is a major international event featuring summer and winter sports, in which thousands of athletes participate in a variety of competitions. The Olympic Games have come to be regarded as the world’s foremost sports competition where more than 200 nations participate...
. Lebanon hosted the 2000 AFC Asian Cup
2000 AFC Asian Cup
The Asian Football Confederation's 2000 AFC Asian Cup finals were held in Lebanon between October 12 and October 29. Japan defeated defending champion Saudi Arabia in the final match in Beirut.-Qualification:...
were they were eliminated from the group stage and it was their only participation. Lebanon participated in 4 / 6 times in the West Asian Football Federation Championship
West Asian Football Federation Championship
The West Asian Football Federation Championship is a football competition of mainly West Asian countries and territories. The event is organised by West Asian Football Federation...
, having played at the 2000 tournament in Jordan, the 2002 tournament in Syria, the 2004 tournament in Iran and the 2007 tournament in Jordan with all being knocked out also from the group stage. Lebanon also participated in 6 / 8 times in the Arab Nations Cup
Arab Nations Cup
The Arab Cup of Nations , is a football competition held between Arab countries, the first edition where held in 1963 in Lebanon.-Winners:...
in which they hosted the 1963 tournament finishing in 3rd place and 4th place in the 1964 tournament in Kuwait and the 1966 tournament in Iraq. Finally, Lebanon participated in 8 / 10 Pan Arab Games
Pan Arab Games
The Arab Games are a regional multi-sport event held between nations from the Arab World. They are organized by the Union of Arab National Olympic Committees. The first Games took place in 1953 in Alexandria, Egypt. Intended to be held every four years since, political turmoil as well as financial...
and managed to earn the bronze medals in the 1957 and the 1997 men's football tournements in which they both hosted. They also managed a 4th place in the 1961 men's football tournament in Morocco.
Early Years
On April 27th in 1940, the Lebanon national football team played their first international match against Palestine/Eretz Israel in which they lost 5–1. Since 1957, their home stadium has been the Camille Chamoun Sports City StadiumCamille Chamoun Sports City Stadium
Camille Chamoun Sports City Stadium is a 47,799 capacity multi-purpose stadium in the Bir Hassan area of Beirut, Lebanon. It is Lebanon's largest stadium. The Sports City Stadium is currently used mostly for football matches and it also has athletics facilities. It was built in 1957 by the...
and later throughout the years, they began playing some of their home matches at the Saida International Stadium
Saida International Stadium
Saida International Stadium is a 22,600 capacity multi-purpose stadium in Saida , Lebanon. The stadium was built on the expanded grounds of the old Saida Municipal Stadium, as one of the venues to host matches during the 2000 AFC Asian Cup that was held in Lebanon. It is currently mostly used for...
. Lebanon's biggest win was recorded on September 28th, 1967 when they defeated the phillipines 11-1. In all of Lebanons' attempts to qualify for the FIFA World Cup
FIFA World Cup
The FIFA World Cup, often simply the World Cup, is an international association football competition contested by the senior men's national teams of the members of Fédération Internationale de Football Association , the sport's global governing body...
since the first participation in 1994, they were always able to qualify to the round before that final round that led to the direct qualification to the FIFA World Cup
FIFA World Cup
The FIFA World Cup, often simply the World Cup, is an international association football competition contested by the senior men's national teams of the members of Fédération Internationale de Football Association , the sport's global governing body...
.
2000 AFC Asian Cup
Lebanon were hosts of the 2000 AFC Asian Cup2000 AFC Asian Cup
The Asian Football Confederation's 2000 AFC Asian Cup finals were held in Lebanon between October 12 and October 29. Japan defeated defending champion Saudi Arabia in the final match in Beirut.-Qualification:...
. Under coach Josip Skoblar
Josip Skoblar
Josip "Joško" Skoblar is a Croatian former football player and manager. He was primarily a forward, and also capable of playing on both wings.-Club:...
, Lebanon were drawn into Group A along side Iran
Iran national football team
The national football team of Iran represents Iran in international football competitions and is controlled by the Football Federation Islamic Republic of Iran...
, Iraq
Iraq national football team
The Iraqi national football team represents Iraq in international football and is controlled by the Iraq Football Association. They won the 2007 Asian Football Confederation Asian Cup tournament.-The Golden Generation:...
and Thailand
Thailand national football team
The Thailand national football team represents Thailand in international football competition and is governed by the Football Association of Thailand. The team has a history of success in Southeast Asian competition, with three ASEAN Football Championship titles and nine senior-level Southeast...
. On October 12th, Lebanon faced Iran where they found themselves losing 4–0. On October 15th, Lebanon faced Iraq in Beirut
Beirut
Beirut is the capital and largest city of Lebanon, with a population ranging from 1 million to more than 2 million . Located on a peninsula at the midpoint of Lebanon's Mediterranean coastline, it serves as the country's largest and main seaport, and also forms the Beirut Metropolitan...
where Sabah Jaeer Khalaf scored two goals in 22 minutes for Iraq. Abbas Chahrour scored for Lebanon at the 28 minutes before Moussa Hojeij
Moussa Hojeij
Moussa Hojeij is a Lebanese football player, born on August 6, 1974. He is the player and manager with the Nejmeh football club. He was the best player in the Al-Manar TV football festival several times, and was captain of the national team...
equalized at the 76 minutes for a 2–2 draw. On October 18th, Lebanon went behind in their last group stage fixture when Seksan Piturat scored for Thailand at the 58 minutes. Luís Fernandez equalized for the home side at the 83 minute as the match resulted in a 1–1 draw.
2002 FIFA World Cup qualifying campaign
Under German coach Theo BückerTheo Bücker
Theo Bücker was born on the 10th of July, 1948 in Bestwig, Germany and is a German football manager and a former player.-Coaching Career:On the 8th of August in 2011, it was reported that Bücker was announced as Lebanon's new head coach, with the former national team manager taking over the reins...
, Lebanon were drawn with Pakistan
Pakistan national football team
The Pakistan national football team is controlled by the Pakistan Football Federation and is a member of the Asian Football Confederation . The team has not yet qualified for either the FIFA World Cup or Asian Cup championships. Twice they have finished third in the South Asian Football Federation...
, Sri Lanka
Sri Lanka national football team
The Sri Lanka national football team represents Sri Lanka in association football and is controlled by the Football Federation of Sri Lanka, the governing body for football in Sri Lanka. Sri Lanka's home grounds are Sugathadasa Stadium and Kalutara Stadium and their head coach is Jang Jung...
and Thailand
Thailand national football team
The Thailand national football team represents Thailand in international football competition and is governed by the Football Association of Thailand. The team has a history of success in Southeast Asian competition, with three ASEAN Football Championship titles and nine senior-level Southeast...
in the first round
2002 FIFA World Cup qualification – AFC First Round
The AFC First Round of 2002 FIFA World Cup qualification was contested between 40 AFC members.The top country in each group at the end of the stage progressed to the second round, where the ten remaining teams will be divided into two groups of five....
of the qualifiers. On May 13th, 2001 in Beirut
Beirut
Beirut is the capital and largest city of Lebanon, with a population ranging from 1 million to more than 2 million . Located on a peninsula at the midpoint of Lebanon's Mediterranean coastline, it serves as the country's largest and main seaport, and also forms the Beirut Metropolitan...
, Lebanon defeated Pakistan 6–0. The result included hat-trick
Hat-trick
A hat-trick or hat trick in sport is the achievement of a positive feat three times during a game, or other achievements based on threes. The term was first used in 1858 in cricket to describe HH Stephenson's feat of taking three wickets in three balls. A collection was held for Stephenson, and he...
from Haitham Zein
Haitham Zein
Haitham Zein is a Lebanese footballer who currently plays for Bahrain Club. He was formerly a Nejmeh player and represented Lebanon internationally. He started with Tadamon Sour and spent eight years. He moved to Nejmeh and spent only half a season, and later went to the Bahrain Club.Haitham...
. On May 15th, Lebanon hosted Sri Lanka where they would beat the visitors 4–0 with two goals from Roda Antar
Roda Antar
Roda Antar is a Lebanese football midfielder who currently plays for Shandong Luneng Taishan in the Chinese Super League, and is captain of the Lebanon national team....
and one from each Moussa Hojeij
Moussa Hojeij
Moussa Hojeij is a Lebanese football player, born on August 6, 1974. He is the player and manager with the Nejmeh football club. He was the best player in the Al-Manar TV football festival several times, and was captain of the national team...
and Mohammad Kassas
Mohammad Kassas
Mohammad Kassas is a Lebanese international football forward.-Career:Kassas started his football career in Lebanon on the youth team of Al-Mabarrah. He then played for first division teams in Lebanon such as Safa Sporting Club, Shabab Al-Sahel, Hekmeh, Olympic Beirut, and Nejmeh...
. On May 17th, Lebanon found themselves with a 1–0 lead after 9 minutes when Roda Antar
Roda Antar
Roda Antar is a Lebanese football midfielder who currently plays for Shandong Luneng Taishan in the Chinese Super League, and is captain of the Lebanon national team....
netted for the home side. Seksan Piturat and Kiatisuk Senamuang
Kiatisuk Senamuang
Kiatisuk "Zico" Senamuang is a Thai football manager and former football striker who played between April 1993 and October 2007, currently managing Chula United in the Thai Division 1 League.-Club career:...
would then both score for Thailand to give them a 2–1 win. With the next three fixtures staged in Bangkok, Lebanon stormed to an 8–1 win against Pakistan with Wartan Ghazarian
Wartan Ghazarian
Vartan Ghazarian is a retired Lebanese-Armenian association football player. He represented the Lebanon national football team from 1997 until 2001. He is a striker....
, Roda Antar
Roda Antar
Roda Antar is a Lebanese football midfielder who currently plays for Shandong Luneng Taishan in the Chinese Super League, and is captain of the Lebanon national team....
and Gilberto dos Santos all scoring two goals each. Lebanon would then score five goals past Sri Lanka two days later. Second placed Lebanon needed three points from their final group stage fixture against first placed Thailand to advance to the second round
2002 FIFA World Cup qualification – AFC Second Round
The AFC Second Round of 2002 FIFA World Cup qualification was contested between the 10 group winners from the First Round split across 2 groups....
. Lebanon took the lead on 35 minutes when Wartan Ghazarian
Wartan Ghazarian
Vartan Ghazarian is a retired Lebanese-Armenian association football player. He represented the Lebanon national football team from 1997 until 2001. He is a striker....
scored. Lebanon held that lead until Thailand scored on 73 minutes and again on 77 minutes. Moussa Hojeij
Moussa Hojeij
Moussa Hojeij is a Lebanese football player, born on August 6, 1974. He is the player and manager with the Nejmeh football club. He was the best player in the Al-Manar TV football festival several times, and was captain of the national team...
equalized for Lebanon on 87 minutes as the match finished 2–2.
2004 Asian Cup qualifying campaign
Drawn in Group D of the Asian Cup qualifiers2004 AFC Asian Cup qualification
The qualification process for the 2004 AFC Asian Cup football competition began on March 2003. Out of the 45 AFC members only Cambodia and the Philippines failed to enter for the tournament. Both China, the hosts and Japan, the reigning champions automatically qualified for the finals...
, Lebanon faced Iran
Iran national football team
The national football team of Iran represents Iran in international football competitions and is controlled by the Football Federation Islamic Republic of Iran...
, Jordan
Jordan national football team
The Jordan national football team is the national team of Jordan and is controlled by the Jordan Football Association...
and North Korea. On September 4th, 2003, Lebanon faced North Korea in Pyongyang. A goal from Buddy Farah
Buddy Farah
Buddy Farah is an Australian soccer agent and a former footballer of Lebanese descent. After beginning his career with Marconi Stallions in the Australian National Soccer League, he went on to play for Nejmeh in the Lebanese Premier League and Keflavík in the Iceland Úrvalsdeild before retiring in...
saw Lebanon defeat the home side 1–0. It was reported that prior to the Lebanon-North Korea fixture the Lebanese camp had been mis-treated as hotel conditions were very poor and their training field contained goats and sheep. Lebanon were defeated by Jordan on October 17th before drawing 1–1 with North Korea in Lebanon on November 3th. Lebanon then went on to lose their next three games, a 2–0 defeat to Jordan on November 12th, a 3–0 home defeat to Iran on November 19th and a 1–0 away defeat in Iran saw Lebanon finish in third place of their respective group having only claimed four points.
2006 FIFA World Cup qualifying campaign
Lebanon were drawn into the second round2006 FIFA World Cup qualification – AFC Second Round
The AFC Second Round of 2006 FIFA World Cup qualification began on 18 February 2004 and finished on 17 November 2004.The highest-ranked country in each group at the end of the stage progressed to the third round, where the ten remaining teams will be divided into two groups of five.-Format:The 32...
of qualifiers where they grouped with South Korea, Vietnam
Vietnam national football team
The Vietnam national football team is the national football team representing Vietnam and is managed by the Vietnam Football Federation.In the FIFA World Rankings, Vietnam's highest standing was in the first release of the figures, in September 1998, at 84th...
and Maldives
Maldives national football team
The Maldives national football team is the national team of the Maldives and is controlled by the Football Association of Maldives. A member of the AFC, it qualified for the second stage of Asian qualifying for the 2006 World Cup, where it drew with South Korea at home 0–0.Maldives most significant...
. Coach Mahmoud Hamoud took with him a team of domestic based players to Suwon where Lebanon faced South Korea on February 18th, 2004. Lebanon were without captain Roda Antar
Roda Antar
Roda Antar is a Lebanese football midfielder who currently plays for Shandong Luneng Taishan in the Chinese Super League, and is captain of the Lebanon national team....
for the fixture. Lebanon could have taken the lead on 30 minutes where they had won a penalty, however, Lee Woon-Jae
Lee Woon-Jae
Lee Woon-Jae is a South Korean football goalkeeper, who plays for Chunnam Dragons in the South Korean K-League. He was part of Korea's 1994, 2002, 2006 and 2010 World Cup campaigns...
saved the spot kick. South Korea won the match 2–0. Lebanon then faced Vietnam in Nam Dinh on March 31th with two late second-half goals from Roda Antar
Roda Antar
Roda Antar is a Lebanese football midfielder who currently plays for Shandong Luneng Taishan in the Chinese Super League, and is captain of the Lebanon national team....
and Khaled Hamieh
Khaled Hamieh
Khaled Hamieh is a Lebanese international footballer. He currently plays for Nejmeh in the Lebanese Premier League.-Nejmeh:At 15 years of age, Khaled signed with Nejmeh from the club’s youth divisions...
on 83 and 88 minutes sealed a 2–0 victory. On June 9th, Lebanon faced Maldives in Beirut
Beirut
Beirut is the capital and largest city of Lebanon, with a population ranging from 1 million to more than 2 million . Located on a peninsula at the midpoint of Lebanon's Mediterranean coastline, it serves as the country's largest and main seaport, and also forms the Beirut Metropolitan...
. Both Haitham Zein
Haitham Zein
Haitham Zein is a Lebanese footballer who currently plays for Bahrain Club. He was formerly a Nejmeh player and represented Lebanon internationally. He started with Tadamon Sour and spent eight years. He moved to Nejmeh and spent only half a season, and later went to the Bahrain Club.Haitham...
and Roda Antar
Roda Antar
Roda Antar is a Lebanese football midfielder who currently plays for Shandong Luneng Taishan in the Chinese Super League, and is captain of the Lebanon national team....
scored in the 3–0 win before 81 minute substitute Ali Nasseredine
Ali Nasseredine
Ali Nasseredine - is a Lebanese footballer who currently plays for Jordan League club Al-Jazeera.-Club career:On October 31, 1997 Nasseredine was signed to the youth teams of Nejmeh...
added the third just twelve minutes after entering the field. On September 8th, Lebanon played the return-leg against Malvides in Malé. Ali Nasseredine
Ali Nasseredine
Ali Nasseredine - is a Lebanese footballer who currently plays for Jordan League club Al-Jazeera.-Club career:On October 31, 1997 Nasseredine was signed to the youth teams of Nejmeh...
opening the scoring after four minutes, then Faisal Antar
Faisal Antar
Faisal Antar – is a Lebanese retired football defender. He played for Tadamon Sour, Tripoli SC, Nejmeh and Al-Mabarrah in the Lebanese Premier League during 12 year career....
would also score to give Lebanon a 2–0 half-time lead. Another goal from Nasseredine and two from Mahmoud Chahoud and Roda Antar
Roda Antar
Roda Antar is a Lebanese football midfielder who currently plays for Shandong Luneng Taishan in the Chinese Super League, and is captain of the Lebanon national team....
brought the score-line to 5–0 before Maldives grabbed two late goals to finish the game at 5–2. On October 13th, Lebanon hosted South Korea in Beirut
Beirut
Beirut is the capital and largest city of Lebanon, with a population ranging from 1 million to more than 2 million . Located on a peninsula at the midpoint of Lebanon's Mediterranean coastline, it serves as the country's largest and main seaport, and also forms the Beirut Metropolitan...
. Second placed Lebanon had gained 9 points going into their second last game where as South Korea, who were on top of the group, had gained 10 points. South Korea defender
Defender (association football)
Within the sport of association football, a defender is an outfield player whose primary role is to prevent the opposition from attacking....
Choi Jin-Cheul
Choi Jin-Cheul
Choi Jin-Cheul is a South Korean football player, who played for the K-League team Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors.Choi made 65 appearances for the South Korea national football team. He usually played as centre-back and made a very strong team with Hong Myung-Bo and Kim Tae-Young during the World Cup 2002...
scored on 8 minutes. On 28 minutes a back pass played to South Korea's Lee Woon-Jae
Lee Woon-Jae
Lee Woon-Jae is a South Korean football goalkeeper, who plays for Chunnam Dragons in the South Korean K-League. He was part of Korea's 1994, 2002, 2006 and 2010 World Cup campaigns...
was fumbled allowing Ali Nasseredine
Ali Nasseredine
Ali Nasseredine - is a Lebanese footballer who currently plays for Jordan League club Al-Jazeera.-Club career:On October 31, 1997 Nasseredine was signed to the youth teams of Nejmeh...
to equalize by passing the ball into an un-guarded net. The 1–1 draw was insufficient for Lebanon to proceed to the third round
2006 FIFA World Cup qualification – AFC Third Round
The AFC Third Round of 2006 FIFA World Cup qualification began on 9 February 2005 and finished on 17 August 2005.The top two countries in each group at the end of the stage qualified for the 2006 FIFA World Cup, while the third-placed teams entered a play-off to determine an entrant for the...
when on the last day of the qualifiers Lebanon drew 0–0 with Vietnam in Beirut
Beirut
Beirut is the capital and largest city of Lebanon, with a population ranging from 1 million to more than 2 million . Located on a peninsula at the midpoint of Lebanon's Mediterranean coastline, it serves as the country's largest and main seaport, and also forms the Beirut Metropolitan...
as South Korea would beat Maldives 2–0 in Seoul to progress to the next round.
2007 Asian Cup qualifying campaign
Lebanon were drawn into Group D for the 2007 Asian Cup qualifying campaign with Australia, BahrainBahrain national football team
The Bahrain national football team is the national team of the Kingdom of Bahrain and is controlled by the Bahrain Football Association; it was founded in 1951 and joined FIFA in 1966. They have never reached the finals of the World Cup, but have twice come within one match of doing so...
and Kuwait
Kuwait national football team
The Kuwait National Football Team is the national team of Kuwait and is controlled by the Kuwait Football Association. They made one World Cup Finals appearance, in 1982, managing a draw with Czechoslovakia but losing to England and France. During the match against France, France scored a goal...
. The scheduled meeting of Australia and Lebanon made Buddy Farah
Buddy Farah
Buddy Farah is an Australian soccer agent and a former footballer of Lebanese descent. After beginning his career with Marconi Stallions in the Australian National Soccer League, he went on to play for Nejmeh in the Lebanese Premier League and Keflavík in the Iceland Úrvalsdeild before retiring in...
declare to return to the national side. On February 22nd, 2006, Lebanon hosted Kuwait in Beirut
Beirut
Beirut is the capital and largest city of Lebanon, with a population ranging from 1 million to more than 2 million . Located on a peninsula at the midpoint of Lebanon's Mediterranean coastline, it serves as the country's largest and main seaport, and also forms the Beirut Metropolitan...
. On 25 minutes Kuwait's Fahad Al Fahad
Fahad Al Fahad
Fahad Al Fahad is a Kuwaiti footballer who is a forward for the Kuwaiti Premier League club Kazma.-References:...
opened the scoring for the visitors before Ali Nasseredine
Ali Nasseredine
Ali Nasseredine - is a Lebanese footballer who currently plays for Jordan League club Al-Jazeera.-Club career:On October 31, 1997 Nasseredine was signed to the youth teams of Nejmeh...
headed into the net from a set-piece to level the scores on 70 minutes. Prior to Lebanon's fixture with Bahrain on August 16th, 2006, it was announced on August 1st that the AFC
Asian Football Confederation
The Asian Football Confederation is the governing body of association football in Asia. It has 46 member countries, mostly located on the Asian continent. However, due to the disputed boundary of Europe and Asia, nations such as Russia and Turkey which are located mostly in geographic Asia are...
had accepted a withdrawal request from the Federation Libanaise de Football Association
Federation Libanaise de Football Association
The Lebanese Football Association is the governing body of football in Lebanon. It organizes the Lebanon national football team, the Lebanon women's national football team, the Lebanon national under-23 football team, the Lebanon national under-20 football team, the Lebanon national under-17...
due to the 2006 Israel-Lebanon conflict
2006 Israel-Lebanon conflict
The 2006 Lebanon War, also called the 2006 Israel-Hezbollah War and known in Lebanon as the July War #Other uses|Tammūz]]) and in Israel as the Second Lebanon War , was a 34-day military conflict in Lebanon, northern Israel and the Israeli-occupied territories. The principal parties were Hezbollah...
, which forced several players to leave their homes to evade the war. The results of the Lebanon-Kuwait game were declared null and void and did not count towards the group rankings.
2010 FIFA World Cup qualifying campaign
Lebanon were seeded into the first round of qualifiers were they faced IndiaIndia national football team
The Indian national football team is the national football team of India and is governed by the All India Football Federation. It is a member of the Asian Football Confederation. Since 1948, the AIFF has been affiliated with FIFA, the international governing body for football. In 1954, AIFF became...
in a bid to qualify directly for the third round of qualifiers. On October 8th, 2007, Lebanon hosted India. After a 30 minute goal from India's Sunil Chhetri, goals from Roda Antar
Roda Antar
Roda Antar is a Lebanese football midfielder who currently plays for Shandong Luneng Taishan in the Chinese Super League, and is captain of the Lebanon national team....
, Mahmoud El Ali
Mahmoud El Ali
Mahmoud El Ali is a Lebanese footballer who currently plays for Al-Ahed in Lebanon. He represents the Lebanon national football team at international level. He is a striker.-Career:...
and two from Mohammed Ghaddar
Mohammed Ghaddar
Mohammed Mahmoud Ghaddar is a Lebanese footballer who currently plays for Kelantan FA in the Malaysian Super League and the Lebanon national football team.Ghaddar is the first ever Lebanese footballer to play for Kelantan FA.-Nejmeh:...
helped Lebanon to a 4–1 win. Mohammed Ghaddar
Mohammed Ghaddar
Mohammed Mahmoud Ghaddar is a Lebanese footballer who currently plays for Kelantan FA in the Malaysian Super League and the Lebanon national football team.Ghaddar is the first ever Lebanese footballer to play for Kelantan FA.-Nejmeh:...
would score another two goals in the return-leg as both sides drew 2–2 in Goa on October 30th. Lebanon won 6–3 on aggregate and advanced to the third round. The campaign saw the absence of defender Youssef Mohamad
Youssef Mohamad
Youssef Wasef Mohamad is a Lebanese footballer currently playing for Al-Ahli in the UAE Football League and the Lebanon national team. He represented Lebanon at the 2000 Asian Cup and also captained of the team from November 2004 to August 2005.-Club career:...
who reportedly had a disagrement with Lebanon's assistant coach Adnan Meckdache where he had intensely criticized the Lebanese Football Federation
Federation Libanaise de Football Association
The Lebanese Football Association is the governing body of football in Lebanon. It organizes the Lebanon national football team, the Lebanon women's national football team, the Lebanon national under-23 football team, the Lebanon national under-20 football team, the Lebanon national under-17...
and the national team coach. He was suspended by the Football Federation and would be allowed to return on the condition that he would apologize to the Lebanese F.A. and it's national team coach for the critical stance. Lebanon were then grouped with Saudi Arabia
Saudi Arabia national football team
Saudi Arabia national football team is the national team of Saudi Arabia and is controlled by the Saudi Arabia Football Federation...
, Singapore and Uzbekistan
Uzbekistan national football team
The Uzbekistan national football team represents Uzbekistan in association football and is controlled by the Uzbekistan Football Federation, the governing body for football in Uzbekistan...
. On February 6th, 2008, Lebanon were defeated 1–0 by Uzbekistan in Beirut
Beirut
Beirut is the capital and largest city of Lebanon, with a population ranging from 1 million to more than 2 million . Located on a peninsula at the midpoint of Lebanon's Mediterranean coastline, it serves as the country's largest and main seaport, and also forms the Beirut Metropolitan...
. Lebanon then went on to lose 2–0 to Singapore on March 26th and 4–1 to Saudi Arabia in Riyadh on June 2nd, having been 1–0 infront after Mahmoud El Ali
Mahmoud El Ali
Mahmoud El Ali is a Lebanese footballer who currently plays for Al-Ahed in Lebanon. He represents the Lebanon national football team at international level. He is a striker.-Career:...
scored on 43 minutes. Lebanon's following fixture with Saudi Arabia was moved from Beirut
Beirut
Beirut is the capital and largest city of Lebanon, with a population ranging from 1 million to more than 2 million . Located on a peninsula at the midpoint of Lebanon's Mediterranean coastline, it serves as the country's largest and main seaport, and also forms the Beirut Metropolitan...
to Riyadh where on June 7th Saudi Arabia would narrowly win 2–1 with two goals in each half from Saudi striker Redha Tukar
Redha Tukar
Redha Hassan Tukar Fallatah is a Saudi Arabian football player who currently plays as a defender for Al Ittihad....
before Mohammed Ghaddar
Mohammed Ghaddar
Mohammed Mahmoud Ghaddar is a Lebanese footballer who currently plays for Kelantan FA in the Malaysian Super League and the Lebanon national football team.Ghaddar is the first ever Lebanese footballer to play for Kelantan FA.-Nejmeh:...
grabbed a consulation goal on 93 minutes. Having been already elminiated from the third-round, Lebanon were defeated 3–0 by Uzbekistan in Tashkent on June 14th. On June 22nd in Beirut, Lebanon took a 1–0 lead when Signapore defender
Defender (association football)
Within the sport of association football, a defender is an outfield player whose primary role is to prevent the opposition from attacking....
Baihakki Khaizan
Baihakki Khaizan
Baihakki Khaizan is a centre-back for Medan Chiefs in Liga Primer Indonesia and former captain for Young Lions.-Club career:He has previously played for S.League clubs Young Lions....
netted an own goal. Lebanon's Ramez Dayoub
Ramez Dayoub
Ramez Dayoub born 9 August 1984 in Beirut, Lebanon) is a Lebanese footballer who currently plays for Selangor FA in the Malaysia Super League and the Lebanon national football team.-External links:*...
scored an own goal at the other end on 72 minutes before John Wilkinson
John Wilkinson (Singaporean footballer)
John Wilkinson is a professional footballer who plays for Insee Police United and the Singapore national football team.-Club career:...
gave the visitors a 2–1 victory.
2011 Asian Cup qualifying campaign
Lebanon and MaldivesMaldives national football team
The Maldives national football team is the national team of the Maldives and is controlled by the Football Association of Maldives. A member of the AFC, it qualified for the second stage of Asian qualifying for the 2006 World Cup, where it drew with South Korea at home 0–0.Maldives most significant...
, the two lowest ranked AFC teams, played home-and-away matches in the preliminary round in April 2008 where the winner would proceed to the next round of qualifiers. On April 9th, Lebanon cruised to a 4–0 home win with goals coming from Mahmoud El Ali
Mahmoud El Ali
Mahmoud El Ali is a Lebanese footballer who currently plays for Al-Ahed in Lebanon. He represents the Lebanon national football team at international level. He is a striker.-Career:...
, Ali Yaacoub
Ali Yaacoub
Ali Yaacoub is a Lebanese international footballer. He currently plays for Lebanese club Al-Ahed who compete in the Lebanese Premier League. He is a midfielder. He recently wore the number 15 shirt in the game against the Singapore national football team.-External links:...
, Abbas Ahmed Atwi
Abbas Ahmed Atwi
Abbas Ahmed Atwi is Lebanese footballer. He currently plays in midfield for Nejmeh and serves as the team's captain, wearing the number 10 shirt. He is not related fellow Lebanese footballer and Al-Ahed player, Abbas Ali Atwi....
and Mohammed Ghaddar
Mohammed Ghaddar
Mohammed Mahmoud Ghaddar is a Lebanese footballer who currently plays for Kelantan FA in the Malaysian Super League and the Lebanon national football team.Ghaddar is the first ever Lebanese footballer to play for Kelantan FA.-Nejmeh:...
all in the first half. In the return-leg goals from Mohamad Korhani
Mohamad Korhani
Mohamad Korhani is a Lebanese international footballer. He currently plays for Safa Sporting Club in the Lebanese capital of Beirut.Korhani has also made four appearances for the Lebanon national football team and scored no goals.-International goals:...
and Nasrat Al Jamal
Nasrat Al Jamal
Nasrat Zaki Al Jamal is a Lebanese footballer who currently plays for Duhok in Iraq. He represents the Lebanon national football team at international level. He is a midfielder. He usually wore the number 9 shirt at his last game, which was against the Singapore national football team on March 26,...
helped Lebanon to a 2–1 win in Malé on April 23rd. Lebanon were then drawn into Group D of the qualifiers along with China
China national football team
The China PR national football team is the national association football team of the People's Republic of China and is governed by the Chinese Football Association...
, Syria
Syria national football team
The Syria national football team represents Syria in association football and is controlled by the Syrian Football Association, the governing body for football in Syria. Syria's home grounds are Abbasiyyin Stadium and Aleppo International Stadium...
and Vietnam
Vietnam national football team
The Vietnam national football team is the national football team representing Vietnam and is managed by the Vietnam Football Federation.In the FIFA World Rankings, Vietnam's highest standing was in the first release of the figures, in September 1998, at 84th...
. On January 14th, 2009, Lebanon were defeated 3–1 to Vietnam in Hanoi. Lebanon went on to face three consecuitive defeats without scoring a single goal, having lost 2–0 to Syria on January 28th, 2–0 to China in Beirut
Beirut
Beirut is the capital and largest city of Lebanon, with a population ranging from 1 million to more than 2 million . Located on a peninsula at the midpoint of Lebanon's Mediterranean coastline, it serves as the country's largest and main seaport, and also forms the Beirut Metropolitan...
on November 14th and 1–0 again to China in Hangzhou on November 22nd. With two group stage fixtures remaining, Lebanon hosted Vietnam in Saida
Saida
-Places:* Saida, a village in Barkote Block, Deogarh District of Orissa, India* Saida, a village in Mandi Bahauddin District of he Punjab province of Pakistan* Saïda, Algeria, a city in Algeria* Saïda Province, a province of Algeria-Other uses:...
on January 6th, 2010. Mahmoud El Ali
Mahmoud El Ali
Mahmoud El Ali is a Lebanese footballer who currently plays for Al-Ahed in Lebanon. He represents the Lebanon national football team at international level. He is a striker.-Career:...
opened the scoring for Lebanon on 20 minutes before Pham Thanh Luong equalized on 40 minutes. The match resulted in a 1–1 draw. In Lebanon's last group stage match they travelled to Damascus where they faced a 4–0 defeat by Syria at the Abbasiyyin Stadium on March 3rd.
2014 FIFA World Cup qualifying campaign
Under coach Emile RustomEmile Rustom
Emile Rustom is a Lebanese football manager. He was the head coach of Sagesse until 2005, when he joined the Lebanon national football team...
, who was re-appointed as head coach of the national team on May 5th, 2011, Lebanon were drawn into the second round
2014 FIFA World Cup qualification – AFC Second Round
This page provides the summaries of the AFC Second Round matches for 2014 FIFA World Cup qualification.- Format :In this round the eight winners from the first round joined the 22 AFC sides seeded 6–27 in the AFC World Cup rankings. The teams were drawn into 15 home-and-away ties...
of qualifiers where they faced Bangladesh
Bangladesh national football team
The Bangladesh national football team is the national team of Bangladesh controlled by the Bangladesh Football Federation. It is a member of the Asian Football Confederation and has yet to qualify for the World Cup finals...
. Lebanon defeated Bangladesh 4–0 in Beirut
Beirut
Beirut is the capital and largest city of Lebanon, with a population ranging from 1 million to more than 2 million . Located on a peninsula at the midpoint of Lebanon's Mediterranean coastline, it serves as the country's largest and main seaport, and also forms the Beirut Metropolitan...
on July 23rd before losing 2–0 in Dhaka five days later. Lebanon advanced to the third round
2014 FIFA World Cup qualification – AFC Third Round
This page provides the summaries of the AFC Third Round matches for 2014 FIFA World Cup qualification.-Format:In this round the fifteen winners from the second round joined the five AFC sides seeded 1–5 in the AFC World Cup rankings...
of the qualifiers where they were grouped with South Korea, Kuwait
Kuwait national football team
The Kuwait National Football Team is the national team of Kuwait and is controlled by the Kuwait Football Association. They made one World Cup Finals appearance, in 1982, managing a draw with Czechoslovakia but losing to England and France. During the match against France, France scored a goal...
and United Arab Emirates
United Arab Emirates national football team
The United Arab Emirates national football team represents United Arab Emirates in association football and is controlled by the United Arab Emirates Football Association, the governing body for football in United Arab Emirates...
. Just under one week later, Emile Rustom
Emile Rustom
Emile Rustom is a Lebanese football manager. He was the head coach of Sagesse until 2005, when he joined the Lebanon national football team...
resigned as head coach, citing obstacles such as internal administrative problems as the reason for his departure.
On August 8th, 2011, Theo Bücker
Theo Bücker
Theo Bücker was born on the 10th of July, 1948 in Bestwig, Germany and is a German football manager and a former player.-Coaching Career:On the 8th of August in 2011, it was reported that Bücker was announced as Lebanon's new head coach, with the former national team manager taking over the reins...
became Lebanon's new head coach. The former national team manager took over the reigns ten years after leaving the position, bringing with him the intention of looking to "showcase Lebanese talent and give a good account of the game in the country." At their first match, South Korea defeated Lebanon 6–0 at the Goyang Stadium. Theo Bucker
Theo Bücker
Theo Bücker was born on the 10th of July, 1948 in Bestwig, Germany and is a German football manager and a former player.-Coaching Career:On the 8th of August in 2011, it was reported that Bücker was announced as Lebanon's new head coach, with the former national team manager taking over the reins...
stated that "more than coming here to win, we came to prepare for the next game," indicating that he was more conerned about getting a result against United Arab Emirates and Kuwait in order to progress to the next round. Four days later, Lebanon came back from a goal down to beat the United Arab Emirates 3–1. UAE striker Mahmoud Khamees
Mahmoud Khamees
Mahmoud Khamees Al-Hammadi is a footballer from the United Arab Emirates who currently plays for Al-Wahda.-External links:...
put the visitors in front after 15 minutes. Lebanon replied with goals from Mohammed Ghaddar
Mohammed Ghaddar
Mohammed Mahmoud Ghaddar is a Lebanese footballer who currently plays for Kelantan FA in the Malaysian Super League and the Lebanon national football team.Ghaddar is the first ever Lebanese footballer to play for Kelantan FA.-Nejmeh:...
, Akram Moghrabi
Akram Moghrabi
Akram Moghrabi is a Lebanese professional association football attacking midfielder. Akram Moghrabi is currently a regular starter for his current Lebanese Premier League club Nejmeh. He represents his nation by playing for the Lebanon national football team. Preferably, Scandar is an attacking...
and Roda Antar
Roda Antar
Roda Antar is a Lebanese football midfielder who currently plays for Shandong Luneng Taishan in the Chinese Super League, and is captain of the Lebanon national team....
, who was awarded the man of the match.
Lebanon then hosted Kuwait in Beirut
Beirut
Beirut is the capital and largest city of Lebanon, with a population ranging from 1 million to more than 2 million . Located on a peninsula at the midpoint of Lebanon's Mediterranean coastline, it serves as the country's largest and main seaport, and also forms the Beirut Metropolitan...
on October 11th. Hassan Maatouk
Hassan Maatouk
Hassan Maatouk is a Lebanese football striker who is currently on loan to UAE Pro-League side Ajman Club and the Lebanon national football team.-Career:Hassan plays for Al-Ahed...
scored after 15 minutes, giving Lebanon a 1–0 lead until Kuwait's Musaed Neda
Musaed Neda
Musaed Neda is a Kuwaiti football player. He Currently play for Al Qadisiya.Neda scored the first goals of a free directly in the final match against Kuwait Club. He scored three goals from direct free kicks in a game Qadisiya 3 v.s Kuwait 0...
equalized with a header. With six minutes left to go, Kuwait's Hussain Fadel
Hussain Fadel
Hussain Fadel is a Kuwaiti football player.who playes for Al Qadisiya.He played for Al Qadisiya in the 2008 AFC Champions League group stages....
brought down Akram Moghrabi
Akram Moghrabi
Akram Moghrabi is a Lebanese professional association football attacking midfielder. Akram Moghrabi is currently a regular starter for his current Lebanese Premier League club Nejmeh. He represents his nation by playing for the Lebanon national football team. Preferably, Scandar is an attacking...
in the penalty area. Hassan Maatouk
Hassan Maatouk
Hassan Maatouk is a Lebanese football striker who is currently on loan to UAE Pro-League side Ajman Club and the Lebanon national football team.-Career:Hassan plays for Al-Ahed...
scored his second goal after converting the penalty to give Lebanon a 2–1 lead. However, Lebanon's Mahmoud Younes allowed the Kuwaitis to come away with a point after scoring into his own net only two minutes later. After the 2–2 draw, Bucker stated "if we had equalized in the last minute we would be happy." Approximately 32,000 spectators were present for the first time since 2005 when the Lebanese F.A. had barred fans from entering the stadiums due to bad behaviour. On November 11th, Lebanon beat Kuwait 1-0 with a goal scored by Mahmoud El Ali
Mahmoud El Ali
Mahmoud El Ali is a Lebanese footballer who currently plays for Al-Ahed in Lebanon. He represents the Lebanon national football team at international level. He is a striker.-Career:...
at the 57 minutes mark at the Jaber Al-Ahmad International Stadium
Jaber Al-Ahmad International Stadium
Jaber Al-Ahmad International Stadium is a multi-purpose stadium in the Ardhiyah area of Kuwait City, Kuwait. Completed in 2009, it is used mostly for football matches and athletics. The stadium has a capacity of 68,000 seated spectators, the building is constructed in 4 levels, with 54 corporate...
in Kuwait. In November 15 2011 Lebanon hosted South Korea at the Camille Chamoun Sports City Stadium
Camille Chamoun Sports City Stadium
Camille Chamoun Sports City Stadium is a 47,799 capacity multi-purpose stadium in the Bir Hassan area of Beirut, Lebanon. It is Lebanon's largest stadium. The Sports City Stadium is currently used mostly for football matches and it also has athletics facilities. It was built in 1957 by the...
in Bierut. Over 40,000 spectators were present to cheer for the Lebanese national team. After 4 minutes Lebanon took te lead by Ali Al Saadi
Ali Al Saadi
Ali Al Saadi is a Lebanese football player who currently is a Safa Beirut player and represents Lebanon internationally. He plays as a defender. He participated in the ONGC Nehru Cup as part of the Lebanese team and scored the winning goal in the opening match against India, defeating India...
, 11 minutes later Korea equalized the scoreline by a penalty kick. At the 30 minute of the match Lebanon was given a penalty kick after Mahmoud El Ali
Mahmoud El Ali
Mahmoud El Ali is a Lebanese footballer who currently plays for Al-Ahed in Lebanon. He represents the Lebanon national football team at international level. He is a striker.-Career:...
was tackeled inside the penalty area. Lebanon then took the lead after Abbas Ahmed Atwi
Abbas Ahmed Atwi
Abbas Ahmed Atwi is Lebanese footballer. He currently plays in midfield for Nejmeh and serves as the team's captain, wearing the number 10 shirt. He is not related fellow Lebanese footballer and Al-Ahed player, Abbas Ali Atwi....
perfectly delivered the ball into the net from the penalty spot and giving Lebanon a 2-1 victory for the first time in history against South Korea.
FIFA World Cup
| World Cup Finals | World Cup Qualifications | ||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Year | Result | Position | GP | W | D | L | GS | GA | GP | W | D | L | GS | GA | |
 19301930 FIFA World Cup The 1930 FIFA World Cup was the inaugural FIFA World Cup, the world championship for men's national association football teams. It took place in Uruguay from 13 July to 30 July 1930... to  19901990 FIFA World Cup The 1990 FIFA World Cup was the 14th FIFA World Cup, the quadrennial international football world championship tournament. It was held from 8 June to 8 July 1990 in Italy, the second country to host the event twice. Teams representing 116 national football associations from all six populated... |
Did not enter | ||||||||||||||
 19941994 FIFA World Cup The 1994 FIFA World Cup, the 15th staging of the FIFA World Cup, was held in nine cities across the United States from June 17 to July 17, 1994. The United States was chosen as the host by FIFA on July 4, 1988... |
Did not qualify | ||||||||||||||
| 8 | 2 | 4 | 2 | 8 | 9 | ||||||||||
 19981998 FIFA World Cup The 1998 FIFA World Cup, the 16th FIFA World Cup, was held in France from 10 June to 12 July 1998. France was chosen as host nation by FIFA on 2 July 1992. The tournament was won by France, who beat Brazil 3-0 in the final... |
Did not qualify | ||||||||||||||
| 4 | 1 | 1 | 2 | 4 | 7 | ||||||||||
  20022002 FIFA World Cup The 2002 FIFA World Cup was the 17th staging of the FIFA World Cup, held in South Korea and Japan from 31 May to 30 June. It was also the first World Cup held in Asia, and the last in which the golden goal rule was implemented. Brazil won the tournament for a record fifth time, beating Germany 2–0... |
Did not qualify | ||||||||||||||
| 6 | 4 | 1 | 1 | 26 | 5 | ||||||||||
 20062006 FIFA World Cup The 2006 FIFA World Cup was the 18th FIFA World Cup, the quadrennial international football world championship tournament. It was held from 9 June to 9 July 2006 in Germany, which won the right to host the event in July 2000. Teams representing 198 national football associations from all six... |
Did not qualify | ||||||||||||||
| 6 | 3 | 2 | 1 | 11 | 5 | ||||||||||
 20102010 FIFA World Cup The 2010 FIFA World Cup was the 19th FIFA World Cup, the world championship for men's national association football teams. It took place in South Africa from 11 June to 11 July 2010... |
Did not qualify | ||||||||||||||
| 8 | 1 | 1 | 6 | 9 | 17 | ||||||||||
 20142014 FIFA World Cup The 2014 FIFA World Cup will be the 20th FIFA World Cup, an international association football tournament that will take place in Brazil from 12 June to 13 July 2014.... |
- | ||||||||||||||
| 7 | 4 | 1 | 2 | 12 | 12 | ||||||||||
| Total | |||||||||||||||
- From 1930 to 1938, Lebanon was a part of France and therefore did not take part in any of the qualification process. Lebanon did not participate in the qualifying campaign for the World Cup until 1994.
AFC Asian Cup
| Asian Cup Finals | Asian Cup Qualifications | ||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Year | Result | Position | GP | W | D | L | GS | GA | GP | W | D | L | GS | GA | |
 19561956 AFC Asian Cup The 1956 AFC Asian Cup was the inaugural tournament of the AFC Asian Cup. The final tournament was held in Hong Kong from 1 September to 15 September 1956... to  19681968 AFC Asian Cup The 1968 AFC Asian Cup finals were held in Iran between May 10 and May 19. It was organized on a round robin basis, with the home team Iran winning with a perfect record of four wins.- Qualification :... |
Did not enter | ||||||||||||||
 19721972 AFC Asian Cup -Semi-finals:----- Third place play-off :-Final:-External links:**... |
Did not qualify | ||||||||||||||
| 1976 1976 AFC Asian Cup -Group B:---------Knockout stage:-Semi-finals:-----Third place play-off:-Final:-Goalscorers:3 goals: Gholam Hossein Mazloumi Nasser Nouraei Fathi Kamel2 goals: Alireza Azizi Alireza Khorshidi Hassan Roshan... |
Withdrew | ||||||||||||||
 19801980 AFC Asian Cup The 1980 AFC Asian Cup was the seventh edition of the Asian Nations Cup, the football championship of Asia . It was hosted by Kuwait between September 15 and 30. The field of ten teams was split into two groups of five. Kuwait won their first championship, beating Korea Republic in the final 3-0.... |
Did not qualify | ||||||||||||||
 19841984 AFC Asian Cup The 1984 AFC Asian Cup was the eighth edition of the Asian Nations Cup, the football championship of Asia . It was hosted by Singapore between December 1 and December 16. The field of ten teams was split into two groups of five... |
Withdrew | ||||||||||||||
 19881988 AFC Asian Cup The Asian Football Confederation's 1988 AFC Asian Cup finals were held in Qatar between December 2 and December 18. Saudi Arabia defeated Republic of Korea in the final match in Doha.-Qualification:... to 19921992 AFC Asian Cup The Asian Football Confederation's 1992 AFC Asian Cup finals were held in Hiroshima Prefecture, Japan between October 29 and November 8. The host nation, Japan, defeated the defending champion Saudi Arabia in the final in Hiroshima.-Stadiums:... |
Did not enter | ||||||||||||||
 19961996 AFC Asian Cup The Asian Football Confederation's 1996 AFC Asian Cup finals were held in the United Arab Emirates between December 4 and December 21. Saudi Arabia defeated host nation U.A.E. in the final match in Abu Dhabi.-Qualification:... |
Did not qualify | ||||||||||||||
 20002000 AFC Asian Cup The Asian Football Confederation's 2000 AFC Asian Cup finals were held in Lebanon between October 12 and October 29. Japan defeated defending champion Saudi Arabia in the final match in Beirut.-Qualification:... |
Group Stage | ||||||||||||||
| 3 | 0 | 2 | 1 | 3 | 7 | ||||||||||
 20042004 AFC Asian Cup The 2004 AFC Asian Cup football competition is the thirteenth staging of AFC Asian Cup. It was held from July 17 to August 7, 2004 in China. The defending champions Japan defeated China in the final in Beijing.... |
Did not qualify | ||||||||||||||
   20072007 AFC Asian Cup The Asian Football Confederation's 2007 AFC Asian Cup finals were held from July 7 to July 29, 2007. For the first time in its history, the competition was co-hosted by four nations: Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand and Vietnam. The tournament was won by first-time champions Iraq, who defeated Saudi... |
Withdrew | ||||||||||||||
| 2011 2011 AFC Asian Cup The 2011 AFC Asian Cup finals were held in Qatar on 7–29 January 2011. It was the fifteenth time the tournament has been held, and the second time it has been hosted by Qatar, the other being the 1988 AFC Asian Cup... |
Did not qualify | ||||||||||||||
| Total | Group Stage | - | 3 | 0 | 2 | 1 | 3 | 7 | - | - | - | - | - | - | |
Other Tournaments
| Tournament | Result |
|---|---|
| 1989 Peace and Friendship Cup 1989 Peace and Friendship Cup The 1989 Peace and Friendship Cup was a seven-team friendly football tournament, held in Kuwait City, Kuwait from 30 October to 12 November 1989. The timing ofthis tournament was a year after the end of Iran-Iraq War... |
Group Stage |
| 2009 King's Cup 2009 King's Cup The 39th King's Cup finals was held from January 21 to January 23, 2009 at the Surakul Stadium in Phuket, Thailand. The King's Cup is an annual football tournament; the first tournament was played in 1968.... |
3rd place |
 2009 Nehru Cup2009 Nehru Cup The 2009 Nehru Cup International Football Tournament also known as the ONGC Nehru Cup due to the competition's sponsorship by ONGC, was the 14th edition of the Nehru Cup a friendly tournament organized by the All India Football Federation .... |
Group Stage |
Coaching Staff
| Position | Name |
|---|---|
| Manager | Germany Theo Bücker Theo Bücker Theo Bücker was born on the 10th of July, 1948 in Bestwig, Germany and is a German football manager and a former player.-Coaching Career:On the 8th of August in 2011, it was reported that Bücker was announced as Lebanon's new head coach, with the former national team manager taking over the reins... |
| Assistant Manager |  Algeria Moussa BezazMoussa Bezaz Moussa Bezaz is a French-Algerian former footballer and football manager. His nephew is the Algerian footballer Yacine Bezzaz.-Career:... |
| Assistant Manager |  Sudan Ousama Sakr |
| Goalkeeper Coach | Lebanon Jihad Mahjoub |
Matches
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Players
The following players were called up for the 2014 FIFA World Cup qualification – AFC Third Round2014 FIFA World Cup qualification – AFC Third Round
This page provides the summaries of the AFC Third Round matches for 2014 FIFA World Cup qualification.-Format:In this round the fifteen winners from the second round joined the five AFC sides seeded 1–5 in the AFC World Cup rankings...
match against United Arab Emirates
United Arab Emirates national football team
The United Arab Emirates national football team represents United Arab Emirates in association football and is controlled by the United Arab Emirates Football Association, the governing body for football in United Arab Emirates...
on February 29th, 2012. Caps and goals are as of November 15th, 2011.
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