‘WE’RE IN BOX SEAT – BUT SO ARE THEY’: ROOS
THE Socceroos say they are in the best spot to qualify for the World Cup after the 0-0 firstleg playoff in San Pedro Sula, but so will Honduras.
In terms of two-legged playoffs, the visitors pulled off the more-than-satisfactory result of an away draw.
It means that should they beat Honduras in Wednesday night’s second leg in Sydney, the Socceroos will qualify for a fourth successive World Cup.
However, if Honduras were going to be happy with being kept to a draw at their Estadio Olimpico Metropolitano home ground, the stalemate variety was their preference.
They now don’t have to win in Sydney, with a score draw enough for them to reach Russia on the away goals rule.
After the match, the Honduras fans at the ground certainly believed their team was more than good enough to avoid defeat in Sydney and score a vital away goal.
“Score draw, no score draw … any scenario that might have happened (people) would have looked at the dangers of that scenario,” Socceroos midfielder Jackson Irvine said.
“We understand that if it’s a score draw that benefits them. We’ll be approaching the game to win at home.”
Socceroos defender Trent Sainsbury said his side would have “probably” taken the 0-0 first-leg scoreline if it was offered before the game at Honduras’s intimidating home ground.