Jedinak sends Socceroos to Russia

November 15, 2017
FOOTBALL

Australia kick Honduras 3-1 in CONCACAF/AFC Play-off second leg
Captain Mile Jedinak a favourite with a prop of goalsÂ
Socceroos validate for their fourth unbroken FIFA World Cup

Mile Jedinak was a doubtful idea favourite as Australia claimed a 31st sheet to a 2018 FIFA World Cup Russiaâ„¢ with a 3-1 win over Honduras.

The Socceroos captain scored a prop of penalties after saying an progressing free-kick deflected in off a unsuccessful Henry Figueroa to hint jubilant scenes in Sydney.

Australiaâ€™s resounding victory, on a behind of a goalless pull in a initial leg of a sidesâ€™ CONCACAF/AFC Play-off second leg, takes a group to a fourth unbroken World Cup.

A throng of 77,060 roared their capitulation during a end, nonetheless there was copiousness of tragedy in a stands during a parsimonious and goalless initial half. Tom Rogic squandered a best possibility during that period, scuffing a first-time left-foot shot into a arms of Donis Escober after Aziz Behich had total brilliantly with Tim Cahill before slicing a round back.

Rogic atoned for this skip 9 mins into a second half, though, with a stirring solo run that brought Australia a free-kick on a dilemma of Hondurasâ€™s box. Jedinak insincere shortcoming and his absolute right-foot shot took a disagreeable deflection off Figueroa, promulgation a round spinning divided from a wrong-footed and infirm Escober.

2018, here we come! #GoSocceroos pic.twitter.com/GGj6rsxefm

â€” Caltex Socceroos (@Socceroos) November 15, 2017

Cahill afterwards sent a looping header opposite a face of a crossbar before Australia doubled their lead from a chastisement mark with 18 mins remaining. Bryan Acosta was penalised for a sport and, while Escober guessed correctly, diving low to his right, Jedinakâ€™s spot-kick was accurate and absolute adequate to hedge his grasp.

The Socceroos skipper wasnâ€™t finished yet, and combined another idea to his name with 5 mins remaining. Again, it was from a mark after a transparent tainted by Jerry Palacios on Robbie Kruse, with Jedinak outfoxing Escober on this arise with a chastisement drilled true down a middle.

Maynor Figueroa pulled a idea behind in a fourth notation of blocking time, scrambling home from a corner, though it was of small satisfaction to a Honduras side who will watch from a sidelines as Australia take on a universe during Russia 2018.

QUALIFIED!
Congratulations, Australia!
They’re streamer to their 5th #WorldCup! #WCQ pic.twitter.com/3FqkIXG4gI

â€” #WCQ (@FIFAWorldCup) November 15, 2017