Australia salutes Mile Jedinak — and his beard — after matchwinning performance against Honduras
FEAR the beard was the pre-match warning to Honduras and it was sound advice. Jedinak fever has exploded after the Socceroos secured a World Cup berth.
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FORMER Prime Minister Tony Abbott once called him “Mike” but Australia is tonight in awe of its World Cup hero.
Socceroos captain Mile Jedinak stepped up when he was needed most to send Australia to a fourth straight World Cup.
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He put Australia ahead with a free kick early in the second half, but fans were still nervous with a 1-1 result enough to condemn Australia to World Cup agony.
But his ice cool penalty soon after sent the crowd — and the nation — into raptures.
Some say Mile ‘Mike’ Jedinak is the greatest player to have ever lived. 🥇 pic.twitter.com/AFFD0mq8pc
— Behind the Game (@behindthegamefc) November 15, 2017
When he made no mistake again from the penalty spot after Robbie Kruse was brought down unceremoniously in the penalty area, it was the icing on the cake.
There was confusion over whether the first score, which deflected off a Honduras defender, was an own goal, but that didn’t deter jubilant Australian fans from celebrating with a string of memes, Jedi references and beard appreciation on social media.
MARRY ME MILE JEDINAK 🌈⚽ï¸ðŸŽ‰
— Tom Steinfort (@tomsteinfort) November 15, 2017
Mile’s Beard - Australian of the Year!#ausvshon #Socceroos @Socceroos
— Kephren Izzard (@KephIzzard) November 15, 2017
The Last Jedi #AusHon pic.twitter.com/JY0Gtxtrd9
— Brad Dobbing (@DiegoMaradobbn) November 15, 2017
FEAR THE BEARD! Australia on the way to their 4th consecutive World Cup! #GoSoccerooos #AUSHON @Socceroos
— Dion Fountas (@DionFountas) November 15, 2017
Trust the beard #AUSHON
— Chris Western (@cjwestern) November 15, 2017
Australian of the year lord overlord God king Mile Jedinak.
— Scott (@RestingPlayers) November 15, 2017
PRAISE BEARD TO GOD!
— Steele Tallon (@SteeleTallon) November 15, 2017
Return of the Jedi
— Mark Robinson (@Robbo_heraldsun) November 15, 2017
Mile Jedinak has become the People's Beard
— Jon Ralph (@RalphyHeraldSun) November 15, 2017
#AUSvHON pic.twitter.com/BVfP9TDZnG
— Roger Oldridge (@roger_oldridge) November 15, 2017
Originally published as Australia salutes Mile Jedinak — and his beard — after matchwinning performance against Honduras