World Cup qualifiers: It was our duty to qualify, says Australia skipper Jedinak

Australia captain Mile Jedinak praised the commitment of the squad after his hat-trick helped defeat Honduras 3-1 in a play-off in Sydney, thus securing a place at the 2018 World Cup

Australia captain Mile Jedinak praised the commitment of the squad after his hat-trick helped defeat Honduras 3-1 in a play-off in Sydney, thus securing a place at the 2018 World Cup. Ange Postecoglou’s men then returned from Honduras following a goalless draw in the first leg. Aston Villa midfielder Jedinak broke the deadlock on 53 minutes with a deflected free-kick, before adding another goal with a penalty and then clinching his treble five minutes from time when he slotted a second spot-kick past Donis Escober.

Australia's Mile Jedinak (centre) celebrates a goal with teammates against Honduras during the World Cup play-off yesterday. Pic/PTI

Honduras captain Maynor Figueroa netted a consolation for the visitors. "It was our duty as a nation of football players to get this job done. We set out on a task two and a half years ago — we stuck to our guns and we got there," Jedinak said, quoted on the official Twitter account of the Socceroos. "This is special — to do it in front of our home fans in a do-or-die contest," he added.

"Exciting news! Mid-day is now on WhatsApp Channels Subscribe today by clicking the link and stay updated with the latest news!" Click here!