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BANGKOK - The Socceroos resurrected their Asian Cup hopes and set up a monster quarterfinal against Japan on Saturday after posting a 4-0 victory over Thailand in their final group match at Rajamangala Stadium on Monday.
A first half goal to Michael Beauchamp, two to skipper Mark Viduka
in the second half and a late goal to substitute Harry Kewell sealed Australia a spot in the second stage with a much-improved performance following a poor start to the tournament.
The Socceroos' victory in a match played in persistent rain and far cooler conditions than they have encountered so far ensured second place in Group A and a quarterfinal against Japan in Hanoi on Saturday.
Last night, the Japanese posted a 4-1 win over Vietnam to top Group B.
Saturday's game will be a re-match of the World Cup group match in Kaiserslautern 13 months ago which the Socceroos won 3-1 before marching on to that tournament's round of 16.
"I am happy we have got through and now it's game on," Socceroos coach Graham Arnold said.
"I know people don't want to hear it but the conditions made a difference.
"You kick off later, the temperatures are much cooler and it gives the players the chance to get through the game physically and they were still going strong at the end."
Arnold, who went into the match under siege after his side's below-par performances in the opening two games, was bold in his team selection in the must-win match.
He made four changes to his starting line-up, including dropping Kewell to the bench, and the promoted quartet -- Beauchamp, Mark Milligan, David Carney and John Aloisi -- all had major impact.
Australia's defence, with Milligan outstanding, repelled their every advance though and eventually Viduka put the issue beyond doubt with a tremendous solo goal in the 80th minute.
The skipper accepted a cross from substitute Tim Cahill on his chest, turned one defender, held off another, then banged home to make it 2-0.
Viduka then added Australia's third three minutes later, getting a header on the end of a Cahill cross.
Cahill then created another goal when his through ball sent Kewell, introduced as a substitute on the hour, bearing down on goal on a long run before slotting home.
Iraq ensured top spot in the Socceroos' Asian Cup group with a 0-0 draw against Oman in Bangkok tonight, booking them a quarterfinal against Vietnam who finished second in Group B.
- AAP
