After playing out a barren draw in the first leg of their inter-continental 2018 FIFA World Cup qualifiers with Honduras in San Pedro Sula, Australia on Wednesday booked their place in the Mundial with a convincing 3-1 victory in the return leg.

Michael ‘Miles’ Jedinak was captain fantastic as he scored from three set pieces in front of a packed ANZ Stadium to send Ange Postecoglou’s men to Russia at the expense of the Central American opponents.

After a highly contested first half, Jedinak who plays for English Championship side, Aston Villa opened the scoring in the 53rd minute with a heavily deflected free kick which found its way past the despairing dive of the Honduran goalkeeper, Donis Escobar.

The ex-Crystal Palace central defender doubled the advantage for the Socceroos 19 minutes later by firing a shot from the penalty spot after Bryan Acosta was adjudged to have handled the ball in the area.

Jedinak’s hat trick was completed in the 85th minute when he again rolled the ball home from 12 yards after a foul by Johnny Palacios on Tom Juric.

Former Wigan Athletic defender, Manyor Figueiroa would however net a stoppage time consolation goal for the visitors, but it did not matter as Australia booked the 31st spot at next year’s finals and secured a fourth appearance at the mundial.