Nov 15th, 2017

Nov 15th, 2017

After Honduras failed to qualify for the 2018 World Cup, coach Jorge Luis Pinto said the Socceroos were too 'aggressive', while their captain accused the referee of 'cashing a cheque'.

Skipper Maynor Figueroa took aim at Argentine referee Nestor Fabian Pitana for the 26-19 foul count against Honduras and the two penalties that were awarded to the Australians on the way to sealing a 3-1 victory and a place in the 2018 World Cup in Russia.

"Until the first goal I think we were having a good game, maybe we didn't deserve to go up in the score, but the second goal finished us," La Tribuna quoted Figueroa.

"That second goal the referee gifted it to them, that was very obvious to the whole world.

"I only have words of gratitude and praise for my colleagues, but tell the referee, no one is going to save himself from divine justice, if he is cashing a cheque for this, nobody will be saved."

Pinto agreed that the referee was incorrect in awarding the first penalty - that led to a second goal - to the Socceroos.

"In the first half the game was more balanced than the second half," he said.

"For the second goal [penalty for a Bryan Acosta handball in the area] there was contact with the player's hand but it wasn't intentional. It's an interpretation of the law."

Jedinak scores penalty

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Despite the Aussies in fact receiving more yellow cards than Honduras in the second leg of the intercontinental playoff (4-3), Pinto also took exception to the Socceroos' "brute" methods on the ball, especially their challenges on Honduras winger Alberth Elis who returned after serving a suspension.

"I spoke to the fourth official and the linesman about the intentions of Australia," Pinto said.

"They were trying to neutralise Elis from the very start with constant fouls and being aggressive overall with Elis.

"The referee allowed a brute game because the intention from the first minute was to kick Elis out the game. They knew he was the most dangerous player in the game.

"The referee allowed them to play a rough game, and they wanted to finish Elis."

Pinto, who led Costa Rica to the quarters in the 2010 World Cup, was defensive when it came to questions from the media over his position as coach and his strategy leading into the match.

"Some journalists are more concerned about my future rather than the result of the match," Pinto said.

"They're overlooking the match. It's such a crucial game for Honduras.

"I didn't attempt to be so defensive. Australia were very strong and aggressive and their pressure got to us."

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Jedinak drills penalty

Australia dominated in possession, had more shots on goal (13-7) and shots on target (4-1), and they tackled with greater success (85.7 percent).

Honduras resorted to feigning injury on one too many occasions during the match which was met by loud boos from the green-and-gold-clad crowd at Stadium Australia.

Pitana repeatedly called on Honduras players to get up when they spent too long on the turf, however the Argentine did also let a few tough tackles from the visitors go uncarded. The chop on Robbie Kruse's legs for instance escaped a (justifiable) red card, but set up Australia's second penalty, slotted home by Mile Jedinak for his hat-trick.

The result was just Australia's second match won by two or more goals in 2017.