Football: Australia qualify for Russia World Cup

By Satuk Bugra Kutlugun

ANKARA (AA) - Australia's national football team defeated Honduras 3-1 in Sydney on Wednesday to earn another appearance at FIFA World Cup 2018.

The "Socceroos" ousted their opponent 3-1 on aggregate, on the back of a goalless draw in the first leg of the qualifiers, to book their fourth consecutive ticket to football's biggest event that will be held in Russia next June.

Mile Jedinak, Australia's 33-year-old defensive midfielder, scored a hat-trick in the second half -- two from penalty kicks -- and became the unlikely hero for his team.

Thirty-one out of 32 teams managed to clinch a spot in the 2018 World Cup. Peru and New Zealand will square off on Wednesday for the final spot in Lima.

Denmark, late Tuesday, defeated the Republic of Ireland with a score of 5-1 to get the last ticket of the European qualifiers.

Belgium, Croatia, Denmark, England, France, Germany, Iceland, Poland, Portugal, hosts Russia, Serbia, Spain, Sweden and Switzerland are qualified after European qualifier rounds.

From Africa qualifiers, Morocco, Egypt, Nigeria, Senegal and Tunisia are qualified.

From Asia, Australia, Iran, Japan, South Korea and Saudi Arabia are headed to the World Cup.

From North, Central America and Caribbean, Costa Rica, Mexico and Panama are qualified.

From South America, Argentina, Brazil, Uruguay and Colombia will represent the continent.