Australia is through to the Asian Cup final against South Korea after an inspired 2-0 victory over the United Arab Emirates in Newcastle.
The Socceroos scored two goals in the first period, the strikes from Trent Sainsbury and Jason Davidson, to control the game after just 14 minutes. The UAE was rattled and continued to give the home side too much space to move the ball quickly.
Sainsbury opened the scoring three minutes into the match. From a corner the panicked Emiratis crowded talisman Tim Cahill but left Sainsbury completely free, the centre back calming stabbing the ball home with a perfect header.
It was exactly the start the Socceroos wanted. They were lively, confident and with Mark Milligan instead of Mark Bresciano in midfield, passed the ball at top speed.
Nine minutes into the game and the UAE had a great chance to level it, Ahmed Khalil’s shot hitting the post with Mat Ryan unaware. But that was a rare foray and on 13 minutes Davidson was there after a goalmouth scramble to slam the ball home. Both the left back and stopper Sainsbury had scored their first goals for Australia.
The Socceroos continued to enjoy time and space on the ball, with the UAE giving little pressure in midfield. Robbie Kruse in particular was having a field day, while Mile Jedinak was magnificent in sheltering his back four.
The impact of Omar – the Emirati Craig Johnston – was limited though he was still responsible for the UAE’s best opportunities. The visitors started to stamp a little authority on the game as half-time approached.
The UAE resurgance continued after the break as they enjoyed a good 10-minute spell. With the Socceroos slightly flagging, Ange Postecogou brought on fresh legs in Matt McKay for Milligan. The subsitution made a difference and Australia’s intesnity lifted.
The UAE had a penalty shout ignored on 66 minutes and then the Newcastle crowd saved their biggest roar for when Cahill came off, Tomi Juric thrown into the fray.
But to their credit the UAE kept attacking, testing the Aussie defence out on several occasions. The Socceroos’ third goal would not come and they had to endure a few nervy moments at the back.
Matthew Leckie threatend on occasion but it would not be the four or five-goal rout that seemed likely after just 14 minutes.
However, the Socceroos had done what they needed to do in the first half and saw out their victory. They are into another Asian Cup final, after reaching the same stage in Qatar four years ago, and will meet South Korea on Saturday.
Is the Socceroos’ long wait for an entrant into an empty trophy cabinet finally over?
Follow John Davidson on Twitter @johnnyddavidson
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