TEMPO.CO, Sydney - Mile Jedinak lead his Australia team to a fourth consecutive World Cup with a second half hat-trick against Honduras.
The Aston Villa midfielder relied on a heavy deflection for his first goal as his low free-kick bounced off Henry Figueroa to wrong-foot the goalkeeper.
He then scored twice from the penalty spot to secure Australia's place in Russia as well as the match ball before Maynor Figueroa grabbed a consolation for Honduras with the game' final action.
Australia booked its place at the 2018 World Cup with a convincing 3-1 win over Honduras in front of nearly 80,000 grateful fans at Sydney’s ANZ Stadium.
It was the Mile Jedinak show as the inspirational captain continued his remarkable return following a five-month injury layoff. Immense in the first leg in San Pedro Sula on the weekend, he was the main man when it mattered most.
The 33-year-old scored a hat-trick in a famous victory that was savoured by football fans across the country.
“It’s a bit hard to describe, it’s unreal ... we’re very grateful we’re going to another World Cup,” Jedinak said. “It’s extra special. It was our duty to the nation as football players to get this job done.”
BBC
