NEWCASTLE, Australia, Jan. 27 (Xinhua) -- Sainsbury headed his first international goal and Davidson added aonther to help host Australia lead 2-0 over the United Arab Emirates in the Asian Cup semi-final match here on Tuesday.
The socceroos had a dream start as Trent Sainsbury headed a corner home for his first international goal in the third minute.
Seven minutes later, the UAE almost tied the match when forward Ahmed Khalil's long shot found the target, but only saw the ball denied by the left bar.
The host expanded their lead to 2-0 in the 14th minute when Jason Davidson also took his first international goal after a scramble in the box.
The UAE tried hard to find their way back into the game, but could not get the ball past Socceroo goal keeper Matthew Ryan as the socceroos hold possession well and protected their lead.
Australia have reached the semi-finals of the AFC Asian Cup for the second successive tournament, in only their third appearance.
The United Arab Emirates have reached their third such semi-final, and first since 1996, when they finished as runners-up.
|
