The Socceroos Opponent For The Next Qualifying Leg Has Been Decided

Two legged playoff in November


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An amazing late winner from Panama's Roman Torres means that Australia will play Honduras across two legs to qualify for the 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia.

Panama's 88th minute goal in Panama City means that they directly qualify for the world cup, with Honduras finishing fourth after their 3-2 win over Mexico.

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The results, combined with the USA's stunning 2-1 loss to Trinidad and Tobago — just the Caribbean side's second win of the campaign — means the Americans have been relegated to the role of spectators next June.

The Hondurans finished fourth after after the 10 matches of CONCACAF qualifying, with the top three — Mexico, Costa Rica and Panama — all qualifying directly.

Finishing fourth means that Honduras plays Australia in a two-legged playoff, with the second leg to be played in Sydney.

The final direct qualifying spot and the playoff place were in the balance right up until the final whistle, with Honduras, Panama and the USA all vying for both places.

America started the day in the box seat for direct qualification, needing just a point to confirm their passage to Russia.

But they choked and couldn't get the job done, allowing Honduras to snatch a playoff spot from the jaws of elimination.

The first leg of the intercontinental playoff is in x at 11am AEDT on the 7th of November, with the return leg at ANZ Stadium in Sydney on the 14th of November.

Rudi Edsall

10 December 2018

Article by:

Rudi Edsall




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