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The Socceroos have completed the first step of their Asian Cup mission by topping Group C ahead of South Korea, Bahrain and India. It came down to the final match of the group stage where Australia were able to edge out their opponents from Bahrain with a 1-0 victory. It was Mile Jedinak once again who scored the only goal for the Socceroos with a superb strike from 25 yards out. The power of the shot left the defenders and the goalkeeper looking on in awe as the the Socceroos celebrated in the 37th minute with the only goal of the match.
The Socceroos played without three injured players from the usual starting line up (Culina, Wilkshire, Carney) but were still able to dominate most of the match and dictate play through the midfield. Burns was also out of the squad with the flu, and Emerton will be suspended for the next match after receiving his second yellow card of the tournament. Cahill was substituted off in injury time with a possible injury concern, leaving Australia with a much depleted squad for their next match.
South Korea could have topped the group by defeating India by a 4 goal margin but only managed a 4-1 victory leaving them in second place in Group C. Australia will now play the runner up in Group D in the Quarter Final match up.
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