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Five-star Socceroos thump Jordan
Socceroos secure passage to the final stage of World Cup qualifying with an emphatic 5-1 win over Jordan.
PT1M30S 620 349For a moment, it appeared as if a hat-trick of assists for Socceroos midfielder Robbie Kruse had been overshadowed by a brutal late challenge from Jordan's Yousef Al-Rawashdeh in the second half of Australia's World Cup qualifier in Sydney on Tuesday night.
In his first game since the 2015 Asian Cup, the Bayer Leverkusen player was taken out from behind by Al-Rawashdeh with a two-footed studs-up tackle in the 65th minute.
Tim Cahill shows his concern for Robbie Kruse after the horror tackle in the second half. Photo: Getty Images
The referee issued a yellow card as the 27-year-old Socceroo received extended attention on the pitch.
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Kruse received a stirring ovation from the home fans when he got to his feet, however he was swiftly replaced by Nathan Burns as coach Ange Postecoglou moved to protect one of his stars.
Speaking after the match, Kruse told reporters he was confident that he had taken on no serious damage.
"Yeah you don't like to see that on the football field but I think people get a little bit overheated when things go bad. It was disappointing but hopefully I will come through unscathed," he said.
The 5-1 victory means Australia progress to the third and final stage of the Russia 2018 World Cup qualifying process.
Not even the presence of English football icon Harry Redknapp in the dugout could inspire Jordan on the night, who now face a nervous wait to see whether they are placed among four second-placed teams from the eight qualifying groups.
A bumper crowd of 24,975 braved the wet conditions at Allianz Stadium, where a brace from Tim Cahill, and goals from Aaron Mooy, Tom Rogic and Massimo Luongo put an exclamation mark on an impressive display from the home side.
There were farcical scenes during the fifth Socceroos' goal, as a Jordan player launched a second ball into play shortly before Luongo found the back of the net.
"That's an assault."
Think Simon Hill puts it best - horrid tackle. #AUSvJOR pic.twitter.com/huSzQo5jjo
@RudiEdsall @official_lesdogA full lunge from behind deserves ONLY red
��� George Donikian (@GeorgeDonikian) March 29, 2016smh.com.au