New York Red Bulls striker Tim Cahill and Australia will have the chance to lift the Asian Cup on home soil on Saturday, with the Socceroos advancing to the tournament title game after beating the United Arab Emirates 2-0 in Tuesday’s semifinal.
Australia will face South Korea – which eased past Columbus Crew SC midfielder Justin Meram and Iraq 2-0 on Monday – in Saturday’s final in Sydney. The two sides have already met once at the Asian Cup, with South Korea topping Australia 1-0 on Jan. 17 to secure first-place in Group A.
Cahill started and played 67 minutes on Monday against UAE, helping Australia race out to a decisive early lead.
Trent Sainsbury got things started for the hosts in the third minute, finishing a free header off of a corner kick to give Australia a 1-0 lead. Jason Davidson doubled the advantage in the 14th, picking up a loose ball and slotting home from the left side of the area. The two-goal margin was more than enough cushion for the Aussies, who have allowed just two goals all tournament.
Cahill – whose future with New York remains up in the air heading into this season – has played in all five of Australia’s matches at the tournament, scoring three goals in four starts and one appearance off the bench.
The lone match Cahill didn’t start was Australia’s only loss, with the 35-year-old Designated Player coming on in the 71st minute of the Socceroos’ group stage defeat to final opponent South Korea.
