Jason Davidson runs to his team-mates after a goal against UAE.Hosts Australia rode two early strikes to a 2-0 victory over United Arab Emirates that sent them into the Asian Cup final for a second successive tournament at a rain-soaked Newcastle Stadium yesterday.
The Socceroos, who lost to Japan in the final four years ago, will take on another East Asian power in South Korea on Saturday in Sydney looking to seal a first continental title at their third attempt.
Defenders led the way for the goal-happy tournament hosts with Trent Sainsbury heading them in front after three minutes and Jason Davidson doubling the lead 11 minutes later.
The UAE stunned champions Japan in a penalty shoot-out to reach the semi-finals for the first time since 1996 but another upset never looked on the cards after Australia’s early salvo.
Attacking midfielder Omar Abdulrahman did nothing to detract from his burgeoning reputation with some delightful touches and striker Ahmed Khalil hit the woodwork in the first half but they were unable to create enough clear-cut chances.
The wet pitch probably did not help but Australia, with Matthew Spiranovic restored to the back four after suspension, also defended well enough to contain Abdulrahman and his team-mates.
It was at the other end of the pitch that the Socceroos made the most important early impression to the delight of the majority of the crowd of 21,079.
Winger Robbie Kruse had his cross blocked after a burst down the right in the opening couple of minutes but when the corner came swinging into the box, Sainsbury rose unchallenged to head the ball in off the turf.
The UAE had their best chance in the 10th minute when Abdelaziz Sanqour crossed for striker Khalil to hit the ball first time against the base of the post.
Australia were straight back on the attack, though. Tim Cahill was dragged back as he was attempting a shot and Mathew Leckie then had an effort blocked but the ball fell to Davidson, who drilled it low and hard into the goal.
The Australians were in no mood to sit back and protect their lead but the UAE kept their shape.
Khalil let fly with a long-range effort that flew past Mat Ryan and wide of the post and Abdulrahman continued to probe for weaknesses in the Australian defence.
Massimo Luongo, Australia’s find of the tournament, had another impressive game in midfield and his effort came close to the target after 72 minutes.
Leckie forced a save out of Majed Naser in the 75th minute, although the referee failed to see it and awarded a goal kick.
The United Arab Emirates probably deserved a goal yesterday but Ali Ahmed Mabkhout had his shot smothered by Sainsbury in the dying minutes of the match to leave his tally for the tournament at four.