Australian national team, the Socceroos, maintained their perfect record in World Cup qualifying with a hard-fought 2-0 victory over Bangladesh at the Bashundhara Kings Arena on Thursday. This win extends their lead atop Asian Group I to five wins from five matches and takes them a step closer to qualifying for the 2026 World Cup, which will be held across the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
While the 2-0 scoreline suggests a comfortable victory for Australia, Bangladesh displayed admirable fighting spirit throughout the match. Despite facing a much higher-ranked opponent in the Socceroos, Bangladesh kept the score respectable and limited the damage. The Socceroos had previously thrashed Bangladesh 7-0 at home before securing this away victory
Right-winger Ajdin Hrustic emerged as the hero for the Socceroos, scoring the opening goal in the 29th minute. Nestroy Irankunda's misplaced backpass found Hrustic, whose shot was initially blocked by defender Mehdi Hasan. However, the deflection wrong-footed goalkeeper Mitul Marma, who could do nothing to prevent the ball from trickling into the net, resulting an own goal.
Striker Kusini Yengi added a second goal in the 62nd minute, ensuring the Socceroos remained unbeaten throughout qualifying and extended their clean sheet record to five matches. Australia now boasts a perfect record of 15 points from five games, while Bangladesh remains rooted to the bottom of the group with just a solitary point.
Despite the lopsided scoreline, Bangladesh displayed commendable defensive resilience against a far superior Australian side currently ranked 160 places above them in the FIFA rankings.
Bangladesh struggled to create clear-cut opportunities against the organised Australian defence.
Coach Javier Cabrera opted to leave out key midfielder Jamal Bhuiyan, while injuries forced changes for returning players Sheikh Morsalin and Tariq Kazi. Opting for a three-at-the-back formation, Bangladesh found it difficult to cope with the Socceroos' attacking intent.
Eight automatic qualification spots and one intercontinental playoff berth are up for grabs for Asian Football Confederation sides across the nine groups of four teams.
