Australia has recorded the biggest win in the tournament during their semi-final match up with Uzbekistan, scoring 6 unanswered goals leaving thier opponents red-faced.
Harry Kewell gave the Aussies the perfect start with his well-struck goal only 5 minutes into the match. Sasha Ognenovski then pushed the match beyond reach for Uzbekistan by stretching the lead to 2 goals before half time. Carney then added to the tally making it 3-0 ealry in the second half
Coach Osiek decided to give McKay a run in the starting eleven even though Emerton was available to play. This decision proved to be a good one after McKay had yet another excellent match and was involved in the lead up play to several of Australia's goals.
Emerton was substituted on to the field in the second half, during which Australia ran rampage. Emerton scored a goal of his own, whilst Valeri and Cruse also added to the tally to give Australia a convincing 6-0 win. Uzbekistan, being down to 10 men for the last quarter of the match, were unable to hold it together physically or mentally, much to the disappointment of the Uzbek coach who appeared to have a very different match result in mind.
Uzbekistan will now play South Korea in the 3rd/4th Playoff on Friday night, whilst Australia will be up against their confederation rivals (and 3-time champions) Japan on Saturday night (2:00am ESDT). Japan knocked Australia out of the Asian Cup 4 years ago, giving the Socceroos more of a reason to seek revenge.
Football fans around Australia are urged to encourage venues to screen the Asian Cup Final publicly on Saturday night. This is a crucial part of building up the football culture in Australia, please rally for sponsored public outdoor screenings as in the World Cup. Australia is on the verge of raising their first ever trophy, set to me a monumental part of this nation's football history.
