Sports

World Cup berth surely awaits: Sam Kerr assesses Socceroos’ chances

The Socceroos are well on the way to Russia.

At the start of the week you probably would have taken a 0-0 result away from home.

But after watching the game in San Pedro Sula and all those shots that just missed or the keeper saved, you have to think we were a bit unlucky to not to be travelling back to Sydney a goal or two up.

Sam Kerr celebrates against Japan

Most of the boys had above-average games. Not being biased as a Perth girl, but I thought Trent Sainsbury was solid as a rock. He is always so reliable in defence and he had an excellent game mopping up at the back.

Mile Jedinak was a huge presence in midfield after playing minimal minutes in the past few months, and barely any international games.

Under those the conditions, with that pressure and terrible state of the pitch, all the boys put in a good effort and the performance was hard to fault.

Australian fans need to match brilliant Hondurans

External Link: FENAFUTH tweet: Crowd in San Pedro Sula

Aaron Mooy uploaded a video of the stadium in San Pedro Sula to Instagram 90 minutes before kick-off and it was full to the brim.

The incredible atmosphere showed you how much World Cup qualification means to the Hondurans.

It was very cool to see and I hope Sydney gets behind the boys in a similar way on Wednesday night and gives them the boost they need.

Home advantage in sport can play a massive part in results, and hopefully it comes into play on Wednesday.

Socceroos can batter Honduras with extra firepower in Sydney

I'm really excited about all the changes Ange is able to make for this game and don't think Honduras will be able to deal with the likes of Mathew Leckie and — at last — Tim Cahill.

As we've seen all over the media, the Socceroos have travelled home in style, which will play a huge part in fast-tracking their recovery.

The fact that the Australians got to enjoy a chartered flight with all the bells and whistles and Honduras had half their players sitting in economy must worry them a bit.

It might just add that extra bit of fear into their minds about coming out here to play.

Don't let the goalless draw fool you. The Socceroos were excellent value in San Pedro Sula (Image: AP/Moises Castillo)

Long-haul travel messes with an athlete's body and mind

I've travelled to and from the USA many times in economy and played an international game three days after landing and trust me, it's not easy.

Your body and mind are tired and completely out of whack.

That being said, it's one game and they will be fired up.

People always ask me how I function after long-haul flights and my response is, "I just have to", so I'm sure Honduras will still be up for a battle on Wednesday night.

Honduran players and staff at airport.

That being said, I think all the travel will be a little bit too much for them and I'm going to have a guess and say most of them wouldn't have done many flights to Australia in their lifetime.

With all those factors in play, I see the Socceroos winning this second leg and booking their place among football's elite at the 2018 World Cup.

Australia takes on Honduras on Wednesday at 8:00pm (AEDT) in the second play-off leg in Sydney.

ABC News will bring you live blog coverage of the match, while you can listen to the ABC's live radio commentary on Grandstand Digital.

Let's block ads! (Why?)

Original Article

Related Posts