Socceroos v China: the moments that mattered as Tim Cahill inspires Australia to semi-finals

VIDEO: the key moments as the Socceroos get past China in the quarter-finals. And there’s no surprises Tim Cahill features heavily!

BRISBANE, AUSTRALIA - JANUARY 22: Tim Cahill of Australia celebrates after scoring a 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 Bradley Kanaris/Getty Images)

AFTER a tight first-half, Tim Cahill’s brilliance was the difference as the Socceroos beat China 2-0 in Brisbane.

Here are the moments that mattered:

MATCH REPORT: SENSATIONAL CAHILL DOES IT AGAIN

AUSTRALIA-CHINA MATCH CENTRE: stats, line-ups, play-by-play, video

ANALYSIS: CAHILL THE DIFFERENCE AGAIN

VOTE: PLAYER RATINGS

Tim Cahill’s bicyle kick

Cometh the hour, cometh the man. Tim Cahill scores another spectacular goal to put the Socceroos ahead in the 49th minute.

Tim Cahill’s header

Just to make sure of the win, Cahill delivers one of his trademark headers in the 66th minute to ensure Australia a semi-final spot.

Alex Wilkinson’s desperate last-ditch tackle on Wu Lei

Wu was dangerous early, but recalled defender Alex Wilkinson stopped him in his tracks with a last-gasp tackle to prevent a certain goal in the 14th minute.

A clutch tackle from Alex Wilkinson.

Wang Dalei save to deny Mathew Leckie

Leckie is still searching for his first goal of the tournament after being denied by China goalkeeper Wang Dalei in the 29th minute.

Leckie’s strike.

Originally published as Socceroos v China: the moments that mattered as Tim Cahill inspires Australia to semi-finals