Ange Postecoglou’s side was rampant at home, brushing aside the CONCACAF outfit in the playoffs to book their ticket to Russia.

Socceroos fans can breathe a sigh of relief: Australia will appear in the 2018 World Cup. The 2015 AFC Cup champion booked their ticket to Russia the hard by winning in the playoffs.

After breaking the hearts of Syrian supporters, Ange Postecoglou’s side earned an inter-confederation playoff with Honduras. The first-leg ended 0-0, meaning there was a lot to play for in the return leg in Sydney.

At home, Australia ran rampant. The host scored three past the CONCACAF side to brush them aside in a 3-1 victory. Here are four facts from Wednesday’s playoff.

Jedinak does an Eriksen

While many were expecting Tim Cahill to step up and guide Australia into the World Cup, it was another man who stole the show for the host: Mile Jedinak. The Aston Villa ace put in a Man of the Match display, scoring all three goals – albeit two were from penalties – to earn his nation a spot in next year’s tournament.

Goals in the 53rd, 72nd, and 85th minute saw the 33-year-old complete his hat-trick, matching Christian Eriksen’s three-goal haul in the UEFA playoffs from the previous day. 

Australia’s road to Russia

The Socceroos was put through a grueling 22-game qualifying campaign to earn their 2018 World Cup spot. They scored an impressive 51 goals along the way, conceding only 22.

The Socceroos maintains World Cup run

The 2002 World Cup was the last time Australia failed to qualify for the competition. This means the AFC giant will be making their fourth straight appearance.

Tim Cahill record loading?

The Melbourne City forward endured a quiet game prior to coming off with an injury, but qualification was secured nonetheless. Unless something unfortunate keeps him out of Australia’s roster next year, he will become the first Australian in history to feature in four World Cups (2006, 2010, 20014, and 2018).

That is as many World Cups as Pele.