Something wonderfully abnormal happens to Tim Cahill when he pulls on the Socceroos jersey.
This time, it was a thumping Brisbane crowd who got to witness the man in full flight, as his second-half brace against China lifted Australia into the Asian Cup semis.
The 2-0 win was for the most part assured, but Australia will need to piece together a more consistent 90 minutes in Newcastle if they want to topple what lies ahead.
It was a cumbersome and slow-burning start from the Socceroos, who enjoyed plenty of possession but not much purpose or penetration.
China were predictably content to let Australia enjoy the lion’s share of the ball, setting themselves up for a counter-attacking game spearheaded by the jet-heeled Wu Lei.
With a combat defensive block, China were effective in clogging up space in the channels, and the Socceroos’ midfield trio struggled to find the fluidity needed to create danger.
Ange Postecoglou took a considerable risk handing Mark Bresciano his first start of the tournament, given that the midfielder had played only 45 minutes in two appearances off the bench. And the former Parma man was noticeably off the pace initially, guilty of coughing up possession too cheaply on a number of occasions.
Skipper Mile Jedinak also seemed a touch hesitant on the bumpy Suncorp pitch, spraying a few wayward balls and copping an early slice of cheese for his clumsiness.
Australia’s tournament breakthrough Massimo Luongo didn’t see as much ball as he did in the group stage, with most of the Socceroos’ forward thrust coming from the energetic Mathew Leckie.
But it was an unmarked Trent Sainsbury (who put in a fantastic shift at the back), who spurned the best chance of the opening stanza, heading a peach of a Bresciano free-kick over the bar.
Though the Socceroos didn’t have to wait long after the break for the opener.
And no prizes for guessing who popped up.
A Bresciano corner was cleared only as far as Ivan Franjic, whose lobbed header was met by a superbly timed overhead kick from Cahill. The goal lifted the tension and rigidness from Australia’s play, and the Socceroos began to pry open the disciplined Chinese rearguard.
A gorgeous interchanging move ended with Bresciano scuffing one over the bar, before a Cahill turn-and-pivot shot needed to be parried away by Wang Dalei.
As Leckie soon had a glancing header from a corner repelled from close range, there was a sense of floodgates opening, and when Jason Davidson swung one over from the left, there was only going to be one result.
Cahill still had plenty to do, but Australia’s all-time leading goal-scorer has a once-in-a-generation knack for placing things off his noggin.
As Australia began to pour forward and pepper the Chinese goal with a sequence of chances, things started to loosen up at the back, with Maty Ryan’s goal being threatened one too many times.
Although China were unable to capitalise, Postecoglou will be keen to see his side maintain their defensive structure on Tuesday night. Japan (assuming the inevitable), won’t be so forgiving.
Meanwhile, in last night’s other quarter final, South Korea edged past Uzbekistan in a ripping spectacle in Melbourne.
It was far from comfortable for the Koreans, but thanks to their seemingly impenetrable defence and two extra time goals to star man Son Heung-min, they’ll now play either Iraq or Iran for a spot in the final.
I’m still to be convinced by South Korea. Yes, they’ve yet to concede, and yes they’ve passed every test so far without any major concerns. But with their reactive approach, they’ve been more plucky than domineering, so I’ll be surprised if Ki Sung-yueng lifts the trophy in the end.
They do however have the sort of solidarity and hardiness that usually bodes well in a tournament format, and in their Bayer Leverkusen marquee man they have arguably the deadliest marksman in the tournament.
What’s most pleasing about the Asian Cup so far is the way in which the cream has risen to the top. Only the best teams remain, and you get the feeling that only the best of the best will soldier on.
This isn’t a tournament for luck-riders or finger-crossers. Fortune might favour the brave, but only the worthy will be sipping champagne come January 31.
The Barry
Roar Guru
Another Evertonian...join the dots
matth
Guest
I'm a bit of a tactical moron, but it seemed to me that the high speed high possession play simply ran China physically and mentally off their feet. They actually did well to stay with us as long as they did. I also think that, despite this being a knock out quarterfinal, Bresc particularly, but also Jedinak started to get some much needed miles in their legs and rust out of their games before the bigger challenges ahead. I don't think it necessarily means that Bresc will start in Newcastle, but he may be much more effective for the run if he does, or when he is injected in the second half. Jedinak was as rusty as anything. I know he is not the sharpest passer the game has ever seen, but he is not usually that bad is he? So he should also be better for the run. and his leadership and off the ball work organising the defence must be considered as well
madmonk
Guest
Chris, I agree. I have loved Mass Luongo in this tournament, but he should cut out the backheels, twice he tried last night for 2 turnovers. He needs to watch Kagawa to see a #10 who is incredibly effective but keeps it simple.
Josh
Guest
Maybe but 'ole ole ole Auss-ie Auss-ie' is not a chant, it's embarrassing. I doubt it'll ever happen being a member of one, but the active supporter groups in each state need to step up and be the 12th man. There was nothing except lack of interest / hatred of the FFA that stopped The Den from running the show last night. I know I wasn't alone in hearing Seven Nation Army after Troisi scored in Melbourne, we need more of that.
The Barry
Roar Guru
That's why Bradman made it to no. 2...!
TomCahill
Guest
Can we change the record? Yes Jedinak was shocking in the initial stages, but his break up play is very good and if he sticks to short passing he is an asset. Even Sainsbury said last night that it was great having him back to marshall the defence, which is probably an unseen part of his game. Ange has never had a penchant for excluding players from Australia let alone players he coached at club level, so there is no evidence that this is the case now. It's crazy that this is the argument used over and over on The Roar. In that case why has Tommy Oar been excluded? Doesn't wash with me. HOWEVER, I agree that Milligan is a great player who is more well-rounded than Jedinak and he really added an extra dimension when he came on - though the arguments for his exclusion are ridiculous. Also I don't see what was wrong with Wilkinson, he did well imo.
Chris Kettlewell
Roar Guru
One thing I've thought a number of times about some of the Socceroos in the attacking half is they sometimes try to do things that seem just beyond their skill level, and therefore they don't come off. But, pretty happy at how well they've come up here after what we've seen over the last 6 months.
Brick Tamland of the pants party
Guest
There's no shame in having a talisman and Cahill is certainly ours, Japan have theirs in Honda . I wonder going off this tournament who would suffer more without their main man, Honda has scored half of Japans goals hasn't he?
The Bear
Guest
Exactly. Don't penalise a team because if one player in red hot form. A form that is irresistibly consistent, mind you. Just as long as the team works together and has harmony, then Timmy needs them/us as much as they/we need Timmy.
The Minister
Guest
If Australia wins this Asian Cup it will be on the back of Tim Cahill. But that doesn't make Australia a one man team. We have contributors across the park and the collective in this Socceroos team is sound from the back in Mat Ryan to the front line. Central midfield is, as we have mentioned, still a construction site but things are looking so much brighter than what they were even 3 months ago. The future is looking bright. Anyway the last time there was really a case for a team winning a tournament on the back of one player was Argentina winning the World Cup in Mexico in '86 with a certain Diego Armando Maradona.............I never heard an Argentinian complain about it. ;-)
punter
Guest
MM, I think Fadida was saying others would be calling for his head, not his thoughts. I agree great analysis by Fadida, especially on the transition from the players he mentioned to the players we have now. I also agree that we are without doubt playing with positivity and intensity not seen since the Hiddink days. The funny thing is the 2 worst technicians in Ange's procession game is his highest credential player & captain Jedinak who was pretty awful last night & his highest profile & greatest Socceroo Cahill, who was a freak last night. Before you & I get attacked for been Ange's fanboys, I too think there is plenty of work to do, our transition needs to be quicker & need more consistency, but yes we are heading in a much better direction under Ange then we were under the 3 previous Socceroos coaches.
Brick Tamland of the pants party
Guest
Sainsbury is really settling in now looked very nervous in his first few internationals but his signature aloofness appears to have returned.
Scuba
Guest
You must have been in the wrong part of the stadium Adam. There were plenty of loud "bogan" attempts at chanting in my area.
madmonk
Guest
Good analysis except for the bit about anyone calling for Ange to be sacked if they lose he semi. This is still a limited squad and Ange has done well. Win lose or draw we can approach WC qualifiers with hope. Ryan, Sainsbury Luongo and Juric are young players playing at unfashionable clubs who have stepped up. I doubt any serious analysis will involve calling for Ange's head and I am almost certain it will not cross the mind of the FFA.
Mitch
Guest
Didn't Bradman beat Lindrum in billiards once?
Qantas supports Australian Football
Guest
A knighthood bacons, rise Sir Timothy...
The Bear
Guest
He's not carrying the team but he's an ace up the sleeve. Who can deny it? Why would you ever drop him in this form. He has hunger .. The kids need his mentorship.
Winston
Guest
That's too right. Reading the comments above, there's certainly a lot of criticism about the rest of the team, but not enough praise for this man. How does he do it? You would think his age, downgrading to MLS, his height, his speed etc all should point to him being redundant. But he just defies that every time. Just how does he do it? And how good is that first goal? Up there with the Wayne Rooney one!
The Bear
Guest
If a team comes out to play? Well I'd say we shall have one cracking game on our hands. Is that adult enough for you?
Professor Rosseforp
Guest
agreed. Bresciano lost possession, made no tackles, made no runs, had a couple of dud attempts on goal and was unispiring from set moves. The team intnsity lifted when he left the pitch.