Hibs duo help Socceroos to World Cup qualification

Hibs duo Martin Boyle and Lewis Miller both started for the Socceroos yesterday in their 2-1 victory over Asian powerhouse Saudi Arabia in front of 24,620 spectators at the King Abdullah Sports Complex in Jeddah. 

The victory ensures qualification for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. 

Abdulrahman Al-Aboud opened the scoring in the 19^th minute before Connor Metcalfe’s first goal for his country on the stroke of half-time restored parity. 

Three minutes after the restart Boyle sent a tremendous free-kick into the danger area and Mitch Duke headed the ball into the net. 

Saudi Arabia’s Ali Majrashi was then shown a red card for bringing down Boyle as the last defender but after a lengthy VAR check the red card was overturned and Saudi Arabia was allowed to continue with 11 men. 

Saudi passed up the chance to equalise with an 82^nd minute penalty but Matt Ryan, winning his 100^th cap saved Salem Al-Dawsari’s effort.