Asian Cup 2015: Tim Cahill the difference as Socceroos struggle to break down China

SOCCEROOS fans may be waiting for the next superstar to arrive, but Tim Cahill isn’t following the script.

BRISBANE, AUSTRALIA - JANUARY 22: Tim Cahill of Australia heads the ball into the goal during the 2015 Asian Cup match between China PR and the Australian Socceroos at Suncorp Stadium on January 22, 2015 in Brisbane, Australia. (Photo by Matt Roberts/Getty Images)

SOCCEROOS fans may be waiting for the next superstar to arrive, but Tim Cahill isn’t following the script.

His two goals, including a stunning bicycle kick three minutes into the second half, inspired the 2-0 quarter-final win over China and leave Australia’s next opponents nervous.

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Tim Cahill rises for the Socceroos once again.

The news bulletins and highlights reels will replay Cahill’s opener almost as much as his stunning World Cup volley against the Netherlands, but the opposition scouts will be just as interested in the opening 20 minutes.

In almost a carbon copy of the first two Asian Cup games against Kuwait and Oman and the World Cup opener against Chile, Australia appeared to suffer from stage-fright from kick-off.

China pressed high and Australia’s defence panicked, as keeper Mat Ryan was constantly used as an outlet for the under-pressure stoppers, including once a little too close for comfort.

Whether a pre-planned tactic to retreat by China coach Alain Perrin or whether he was foresaw them running out of legs, China’s decision to retreat allowed Australia to settle and take charge of the game from the 20-minute mark.

This will have to be rectified for the semi-final, because Japan or the United Arab Emirates will be a tougher opponent, and will have the quality and ability to press for longer periods.

But the return of composed defender Matthew Spiranovic will help.

Mile Jedinak struggled to impose himself in the first half.

Socceroos coach Ange Postecoglou even changes from last game and three from game one and Mark Bresciano in his first start and captain Mile Jedinak on his return from strained ankle ligaments were rusty early.

Wu Lei was deployed as China’s striker with Gao Lin on the bench and he caused the Socceroos issues with his pace and trickery, as they carved three decent chances inside 20 minutes.

But China dropped off and a relieved Australia to settle, although their best chances came from Bresciano set pieces.

Striker Wu Lei led the line well for China.

Perhaps suffering from knockout phase nerves, the erratic Socceroos tried to force the issue when sometimes patience was required.

By the end of the half, however, they were in control.

And Cahill’s opener three minutes after the restart, after China failed to clear a corner, was crucial.

Midfielder Massimo Luongo epitomised the Socceroos, as he settled beautifully and forced the corner that led to the opening goal.

Plenty to work on for Postecoglou, but there is no reason this team can’t go all the way.

Originally published as Asian Cup 2015: Tim Cahill the difference as Socceroos struggle to break down China