Australian hero Tim Cahill has yet again helped the Socceroos claim a big result, this time getting himself on the scoreboard in Australia's 1-0 win over United Arab Emirates in Abu Dhabi.
In conditions well over 35°C, the Socceroos came out swinging and had the hosts on the ropes from the opening minutes.
Nothing would come of their early chances however, as eight shots to one in the first half to Australia didn't do enough to give them the lead at half-time.
With 20 minutes to go Ange Postecoglou turned to Cahill to help find a winner, and Australia's number four did just that, scoring with his first touch.
Brad Smith's first time cross found Cahill unmarked at the back post, and with the goalkeeper out of position, the striker did the rest and tapped the ball home to lead the Socceroos to an impressive victory.
“I scored but it was because of the collective performance ... if you ask me if I think I'm going to score when I go on the pitch, of course I do,” Cahill said.
“Everything the boss asked of us we did. We hung in there.”
The win makes it two from two for Australia in the third round World Cup qualifying, with a matches against Saudi Arabia and Japan to come in October.
