In a commanding display, the Socceroos held the ball in their possession and dominated the stats.

It was a similar story from the first leg in San Pedro Sula, where the Hondurans were forced to sit back, and watch Australia come their way.

Wednesday night saw a positive twist to the tale for Australians, with the Honduran defence not being able to hold the Socceroos off anymore. As much as Honduras tried to waste time and destroy Australia’s fluidity, the green and gold was far too strong.

Australia

Mat Ryan - 8

Really didn’t have much to do when it came to stopping any shots from the Hondurans. The only thing to rate Ryan on was his distribution, which was top class once more.

Bailey Wright – 8

Wright flew under the radar even with a solid defensive display. Blocking attacks and setting up the play from the back added to the overall encouraging performance from Australia’s defenders.

Trent Sainsbury – 8.5

Classy and comfortable as always. Sainsbury played with such poise, dictating the tempo at the back and engaging the play from the back.

Matt Jurman 7.5

Gave the fans a heart-in-mouth moment after a heavy challenge on Alberth Elis that resulted in a yellow card. Just like his defensive comrades, Jurman was solid and let very little past.

 

Mile Jedinak – 10

Welcome back, Captain Fantastic. An impeccable performance from the skipper in just his second game back, capped off with a hattrick.

Mark Milligan – 7.5

Milligan struggled to get involved, and it was mentioned that he stayed too far back during the build-up play for Australia.

Mathew Leckie – 7

Similar to Milligan, the Hertha Berlin winger found it hard to attack Honduras effectively, with the majority of the play heading down the left-hand side, where Aziz Behich caused the most damage.

Tom Rogic – 8

So silky, so smooth. Rogic was the link up player in the Australian midfield when he was needed and always managed to dance past his opposing players.

Aaron Mooy – 8.5

Showed all his worth with some classy passing play, continuing his fine form.

Aziz Behich - 8

Had a few off crosses that didn’t eventuate in any chances for Australia, however whenever the Roos needed an attacking avenue, the winger was nearly always open.

Tim Cahill – 7

Hit the bar from 18 yards out, from a header in true Timmy fashion. Found it hard to get involved throughout the 90 minutes, due to the strong marshalling from the Honduran defence.

SUBSTITUTES

Tomi Juric - 7

Got involved in a few attacks, but didn’t manage to make any real chances.

Robbie Kruse – N/A

Really didn’t make an impact, except for winning a penalty late on to seal the Socceroos’ plane ticket to Russia.

 

Honduras

Donis Escober – 8

Even though he conceded three goals, Escober managed to stop Australia from putting even more in the back of the net.

Johnny Palacios – 7

Palacios managed to disrupt numerous Australian attacks while also pushing the ball from defence into the midfield.

Ever Alvarado - 6

Kept quiet and didn’t find himself on the ball often at all.

Maynor Figueroa – 7.5

The former Premier League defender kept his team in it for the most part, managing to stabilise his defence.

Brayan Beckeles – 6.5

Far too many strong challenges against Socceroos players in an attempt to break down the play. Lacked any creative spark and didn’t manage to play his teammates into attacking positions.

 

Jorge Claros - 7

Stood up strongly for his side in midfield, kept a degree of order across the middle and spread the play out wide, trying to spark attacks for his side.

Bryan Acosta - 5

Managed to give the free kick which resulted in a goal, as well as the first of two penalties.

Emilio Izaguirre - 7

One of very few who managed to perform on the night.

Alberth Elis - 8

Showed his danger when he could, with his lighting quick speed. The Houston Dynamo winger caused problems for Australia and also got on the nerves of Australia’s Matt Jurman, Even managed to get on the scoresheet through a late consolation goal.

Antony Lozano - 3

Didn’t see much of Lozano all night, without any service and little link up play.

Romell Quioto – 6

Quioto stayed quiet as well, didn’t see the goal throughout the game. However, the winger remained positive in search of a goal.

SUBSTITUTES

Henry Figueroa - 4

Henry Figueroa, the substitute that was substituted. Enough said? Possibly.

Mario Martinez – N/A

Didn’t make an impact to any degree.