Crystal Palace captain Mile Jedinak was on the score sheet today as Australia defeated Kyrgyzstan 2-1 in their first game of their World Cup qualifying campaign for the 2018 tournament that is due to take place in Russia.
The Australian skipper scored a free-kick in the first minute of the match that took place this afternoon, a sight that hasn’t been unusual during his time at Selhurst Park.
Jedinak has had a brilliant 12 months for Australia, as he contributed heavily to their first Asian Cup triumph in January, a tournament that was hosted by his home nation. It was the midfielder’s fourth goal in the last year and his tenth overall. His form has earned him the Asian International Footballer of the Year award in 2014.
He also became the first Crystal Palace player to score in a World Cup when he bagged a goal against the Netherlands in the tournament last year, in what was a very tough group for the Socceroos.
Palace fans will be hoping that he can carry his international form into next season as Alan Pardew begins to put his plans together for the new campaign. The 30-year-old featured in over 20 matches last season and scored five goals.
