Tim Cahill came to Australia’s rescue again during the game, scoring two goals, one of them among the most spectacular ever seen at an Asian Cup, to lead the host-nation into the semi-finals.
With his team-mates all fluffing their chances in front of goal, Cahill took it upon himself to calm Australia’s jitters and secure a 2-0 win over China in the quarter-finals at Brisbane’s Lang Park.
Both goals came in the second half but it was the first, four minutes after the restart, that will be remembered for years to come. Cahill has made a habit of scoring stunning goals for his country - most memorably his volley against the Netherlands in last year’s World Cup – but Thursday’s eye-popper was perhaps his finest.
The Australians, beaten 1-0 by South Korea in their last group match, dominated possession against the Chinese but squandered a series of clear chances to score with Cahill the lone exception.
They also provided their supporters with some heart flutters, carelessly giving the ball away on a handful of occasions and allowing China to threaten on the counter attack.
The Australian captain Mile Jedinak, returning to the side after missing the last two group games with an ankle injury, was among the worst offenders and allowed his frustrations to get the better of him when he was booked for a reckless tackle on Ren Hang.
China spent most of the first half defending deep inside their own territory but pressed forward after falling behind and came close to scoring with Zhang Linpeng unleashing a rocket from long-range that forced Mat Ryan to make a diving save.
Sun Ke and Wu Lei also tested out the Australian keeper but the visitors were unable to respond to Cahill’s brace and bowed out of the competition as the Australians marched on.