Socceroos' opponents win opening World Cup qualifier

1 min read 12 June 2015

Kyrgyzstan, who play the Socceroos next week, have won their opening FIFA World Cup 2018 qualifier by defeating Bangladesh 3-1 on Thursday.

At the Bangabandhu National Stadium in Bangladesh, Kyrgyzstan opened the scoring on eight minutes when Anton Zemlyanuhin's free-kick from distance hit the back of the net.

And just 20 minutes later it was 2-0 to the visitors after a penalty was won. Defender Yamin Munna brought Kyrgyz forward Viktor Maier down and Edgar Bernhardt converted.

Socceroos World Cup qualifying group preview

However, three minutes later an own goal by Kyrgyzstan defender Valeri Kichin got the hosts back in the contest after he headed into his own net to make it 2-1.

But the visitors were ahead 3-1 at the break with the dangerous Zemlyanuhin bagging a brace courtesy of a thunderous drive.

Bangladesh will face Tajikistan in the next match at the same venue on June 16.

Australia open their qualification campaign against Kyrgyzstan away in Bishkek on the same day.