Australia beat Honduras to qualify for 2018 FIFA World Cup

Captain Mile Jedinak fired Australia to the World Cup with a hat-trick in a 3-1 victory over Honduras in their inter-continental play-off on Wednesday.

The Socceroos had been held to a goalless draw in the first leg in San Pedro Sula last week but had a trio of second-half strikes from the skipper in Sydney to thank for securing their ticket to Russia.

Jedinak’s first came courtesy of a deflected free-kick, before Tim Cahill went close to doubling the advantage with an excellent header that bounced off the top of the crossbar.

But Cahill’s close call would not prove costly for Ange Postecoglou’s men, who soon left Honduras needing two goals as Jedinak punished a



Bryan Acosta handball by firing home from the penalty spot.

Honduras’ desperate push for a response left them exposed at the back, and Jedinak was on hand to convert his second spot-kick of the night after Johnny Palacios brought down the advancing Robbie Kruse.

The result, which also saw Alberth Elis net for Honduras in second-half stoppage time, means Australia will compete at a fourth consecutive World Cup - a huge relief for Postecoglou after his side finished third to Japan and Saudi Arabia in the group stage.

Nevertheless, the coach’s future remains uncertain after he was heavily linked with the exit regardless of the Socceroos’ qualification fate.