Two former Hibs players combine to put Australia one game away from World Cup

Australia are now just one game away from qualifying for this winter’s World Cup after they overcame the United Arab Emirates in their play-off semi-final.

Jackson Irvine of Australia celebrates opening the scoring against the UAE.

The Socceroos prevailed 2-1 at the Ahmad bin Ali Stadium in Al Rayyan, Qatar, with goals from ex-Hibs and Ross County midfielder Jackson Irvine and Frankfurt midfielder Ajdin Hrustic securing a winner-takes-all clash with Peru next week.

Australia’s opening goal came courtesy of some excellent work from two ex-Hibs players. Winger Martin Boyle, who now plays for Al-Faisaly in the Saudi Arabian top flight, found Irvine with a precise cut-back and the current St Pauli player made no mistake from close range.

Their lead only lasted four minutes, however, with Caio Caneda scoring from close range after a cross had deflected into his path.

The match looked to be going to extra-time until Hrustic found the net with a deflected left-footed volley with six minutes remaining.

Australia will now take on Peru on Monday night, again in Al Rayyan, for the right to return to Qatar in November and take their place in Group D of the World Cup alongside France, Denmark and Tunisia.

The other World Cup play-off is between Costa Rica and New Zealand, with duo playing for a spot in Group E alongside Spain, Germany and Japan on Tuesday, June 14, again in Al Rayyan.