Unfair to Jorge Luis Pinto
Few believed in this Honduras National Team in the CONCACAF qualifiers, and yet the Colombian coach led them to the World Cup playoffs. The first leg raised doubts among the Central Americans, and the second leg confirmed what was expected: Australia easily defeated a team that had no way to react in Sydney. This was the match and this was how the fans reacted on social media, more out of despair than logic.
At the time of the match, as well as after the result was confirmed, fans criticized Pinto's decision to play with a backline of five defenders, despite the adverse result. They also pointed out that he had no reaction and maybe that's true. Honduras did not have a talented squad to implement another tactic, especially against an Australia that, although not in its best form, showed great compactness.
Australia's best player tonight. Bloody hell they hired you. pic.twitter.com/4G3sK05WVe
Jorge Luis Pinto died with his DAMN five-man backline and with Jorge Claros as his golden boy. He never looked at Boniek or Costly... It's better if Australia goes to the World Cup and makes us look like idiots.
Wishing Jorge Luis Pinto the best and that he takes his five-man backline and his "favorites" on the same plane with him. Hopefully, on Friday, he won't come with his "I apologize to the Honduran people". He can take his apologies with him too.
Pinto didn't have a Plan B in case Australia scored first. 3-0 and HON says goodbye to the World Cup with a terrible performance in Sydney.
Pinto can go straight to Colombia, his cowardice was evident in this game. We went back to the beginning when we used to play with five-man backline. When you play a game within the lines and fear your opponent, this is what happens. Goodbye H, goodbye Pinto.
Australia secures World Cup spot
The Australia National Team secured its ticket to the 2018 World Cup by defeating Honduras (3-1) on Wednesday in the international playoffs in Sydney.
After a goalless draw in the first leg, a hat-trick by Mile Jedinak in the second half (54th, 72nd, and 85th minutes, the last two from penalties) denied the 'H' team from going to their third consecutive World Cup. The 'Socceroos', on the other hand, will participate in their fourth consecutive tournament in Russia.
The most controversial moment of the playoffs, and Pitana doesn't forgive.