Super-sub Tim Cahill was the hero as Australia’s perfect start to World Cup qualification continued, downing the United Arab Emirates 1-0 in Abu Dhabi.
Ange Postecoglou’s side are yet to concede in this phase of qualification, and top the group on goal difference ahead of Saudi Arabia, who have also amassed maximum points from the opening two matches.
Less than four minutes after replacing Tomi Juric up front, Cahill once again bobbed up to hand what will prove to be a priceless victory to Australia in Abu Dhabi’s oppressive summer conditions.
Melbourne City’s prize recruit slotted home from close-range having been found by an inch-perfect Brad Smith delivery which, at that stage of the match, deserved praise on its own.
The Bournemouth left-back had his colours lowered somewhat versus Iraq, but produced a moment of the highest quality to send Australia home winners.
The result caps off a perfect camp for the Socceroos, who defeated Iraq 2-0 at NIB Stadium in Perth last Thursday night thanks to goals from Tomi Juric and Massimo Luongo.
REACTION | It’s that man again.. #UAEvAUS #GoSocceroos https://t.co/HG0BGstyaN
— Outside90 (@Outside90) September 6, 2016
The next round of fixtures sees the Socceroos travel to face Saudi Arabia, before hosting Japan at Etihad Stadium on October 6 and 11 respectively.
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