A Mile Jedinak hat-trick secured Australia's place in next year's finals in Russia to fulfil a long-term target for their coach
Australia coach Ange Postecoglou has called the last four years the ‘hardest thing I have ever done’ after securing qualification for the 2018 World Cup.
Postecoglou, who has managed Australia since Holger Osieck’s sacking in 2013, can now add World Cup qualification to his resume alongside the 2015 Asian Cup triumph.
It was a long and winding road to Russia for the Socceroos, which was finally secured by captain Mile Jedinak’s hat-trick in a 3-1 second-leg win over Honduras.