- Socceroos hold on for a draw in first leg of crucial World Cup qualifier
- The match ended 0-0 and the Socceroos are now primed to win the return leg
- The build up to the game was dominated by controversy after media comments
After a controversial build-up the Socceroos have held on for a draw against Honduras in the first leg of their crucial World Cup qualifier against Honduras.
The crowd at the Estádio Olímpico Metropolitano was dominated by fanatic Honduras supporters but a few Australian fans were spotted snapping selfies ahead of the game.
The first leg of the playoff ended in a nil-all draw.
The build up to the game has been controversial stemming from criticism of Honduras in Australian media, labelling it the ‘murder capital of the world’.
The final leg of the playoff to decide who qualifies for the World Cup in Russia will be held in Australia.
The crowd at the Estádio Olímpico Metropolitano is dominated by fanatic Honduras supporters but a few Australian fans were spotted snapping selfies ahead of the game
After a controversial build-up the Socceroos crucial World Cup qualifier against Honduras has kicked off in San Pedro Sula
The build up to the game has been dominated by controversy stemming from Australian media’s criticism of Honduras, calling it the ‘murder capital of the world’
Waleed Aly and Peter Helliar sparked an international incident after saying they wouldn’t go and support the Socceroos in the ‘murder capital of the world’ while comparing their opponents to ISIS.
The Project hosts were interviewing star Socceroo Tim Cahill ahead of the game when they made their comments.
Aly said he was ‘ excited’ to fly over and watch the match until he looked up Honduras on the internet and found San Pedro Sula ‘apparently is – or once was – the murder capital of the world’.
The comments were met with outrage in Honduras, leading Honduran football president Jorge Salomon to condemn the television stars
Mile Jedinak warms up with his teammates ahead of the crucial World Cup playoff against Honduras
Helliar then joked the team was going to ‘play ISIS’ if they beat Honduras, having overcome Syria in their last playoff.
The comments were met with outrage in Honduras, leading Honduran football president Jorge Salomon to condemn the television stars.
Australian players were left to explain Aly and Helliar’s comments as the pair were accused of mocking Honduras.
Australian players were left to explain Aly and Helliar’s comments as the pair were accused of mocking Honduras
Socceroos coach Ange Postecoglu walks onto the field before the game between Australia and Honduras
The Estádio Olímpico Metropolitano is a raucous stadium which is feared by opposition players for its hostile environment.
The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade warns Australians to exercise a ‘high level of caution’ if travelling to Honduras.