Australia 5-1 Jordan: Harry Redknapp concedes to 'gulf in class'

​Tim Cahill scored a double and Robbie Kruse provided three assists as Australia beat Jordan 5-1 to finish top of their 2018 World Cup Asia qualifying group in Sydney on Tuesday.

The 36-year-old scored twice in the first half as the Socceroos broke down the Harry Redknapp's side to win convincingly.

The win in Group B means Australia enter the third and final phase of Asian qualifying for the tournament in Russia.
Hangzhou-based Cahill has now scored 47 goals in 89 internationals for Australia, the current Asian Cup champions, and 22 goals in 27 World Cup qualifiers for them.

While Cahill again topped Australia's goalscorers, it was Germany-based Kruse who got a rousing ovation when he was subbed late in the second half after providing the final ball for three of the goals.

Australia's other goalscorers were home-based midfielder Aaron Mooy, Celtic's Tom Rogic and QPR midfielder Massimo Luongo.

"It's been two strong performances (including Tajikistan) and I think people are starting to appreciate the way the boys are playing now and the belief they have in what we're doing," said coach Ange Postecoglou.

"Jordan was a dangerous opponent, they had everything to play for, yet there was never going to be anyone but us winning on the night."

Former West Ham, Tottenham and QPR manager Redknapp, who was hired by Jordan's Prince Ali to help his country's World Cup qualifying bid, said: "They were a different class to us, they were a much better and stronger team than we were.

"So it was difficult, they had a bit too much quality and they looked a lot fitter than us, they were sharper... there was a big gulf in class tonight.

"The players did their best. We all did our best but what can you do? I've been here five or six days, what can you do?

"The players are the players, I can't suddenly bring in Ronaldo. It is what it is. If Australia played Spain next week, they'd probably get beat by four or five because that's the way the game is, Spain have better players." 

Australia needed patience to prise open their combative opponents, but once the home side scored the opener in the 24th minute the visitors broke wide open.

Bayer Leverkusen's Kruse delivered a pinpoint cross for stand-in skipper Cahill to tap into an empty net in the 24th minute.

Kruse was again the provider 15 minutes later when he released midfielder Mooy on the left and he slotted past goalkeeper Amer Shafi for 2-0.

Kruse made his third assist in the opening half with another lovely cross. Cahill met it with his head for his second on the night.

Australia led 3-0 at half-time after Jordan fell away in the second period of the first half, giving the visitors an insurmountable task in the final 45 minutes in Sydney.

Rogic ensured there was no way back for Jordan with his third goal in the last two World Cup qualifiers and Australia's fourth in the 53rd minute.

Luongo scored the Socceroos' fifth goal just five minutes after coming on as a substitute.

Yousef Al-Rawashdeh was fortunate not to see a red card when he scythed down Kruse in a vicious tackle which left him clasping his left knee on the ground. But Kruse resumed before being subbed by Nathan Burns with 20 minutes left.

Abdallah Deeb scored a consolation goal for Jordan in the final minute of time.