JEDINAK FIRES AUSTRALIA TO WORLD CUP

ASTON VILLA midfielder Mile Jedinak scored a hat-trick as Australia defeated Honduras to book their place at Russia 2018. Australia were held to a 0-0 draw in Honduras in the first leg of their World Cup play-off but stormed to a 3-1 victory yesterday in Sydney. Jedinak scored a deflected free-kick on 53 minutes before adding two penalties. The final spot at the World Cup was due to be decided last night when Peru hosted New Zealand in the second leg of their play-off. Italy have sacked coach Gian Piero Ventura after their failure to qualify.