Australia 3-1 Honduras (3-1 agg): Mile Jedinak scores second half hat-trick to secure World Cup 2018 qualification

Daily Mail | November 15, 2017

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.

More to follow...

Australia players celebrate with captainu00a0Mile Jedinak after he breaks the deadlock with a goal against Honduras — Australia players celebrate with captain Mile Jedinak after he breaks the deadlock with a goal against Honduras

Jedinak fired in a low free-kick at the Honduras goalkeeper after Australia earned a foul on the edge of the box

The Aston Villa midfielder stepped up and converted a penalty to seal Australia's passage to next summer's World Cup

Jedinak celebrates with as much relief as passion after scoring his second goal for Australia in the do-or-die play-off match

The shot took a heavy deflection off substitute Henry Figueroa to wrong-foot the goalkeeperu00a0 — The shot took a heavy deflection off substitute Henry Figueroa to wrong-foot the goalkeeper

Jedinak beat Honduras goalkeeperu00a0Donis Escober with a fine penalty to make it 2-0 and take the pressure off Australia — Jedinak beat Honduras goalkeeper Donis Escober with a fine penalty to make it 2-0 and take the pressure off Australia

The Australia captain celebrates behind the goal with his elated team-mates after completing his hat-trick

Australia fans celebrate after seeing their national side take a two-goal lead in the second half