Tuesday 27 January 2015 12:18, UK
Hosts Australia reached the final of the Asian Cup after a 2-0 victory over United Arab Emirates at Hunter Stadium in Newcastle.
Both goals came inside the opening 15 minutes as Trent Sainsbury headed home from a corner before Jason Davidson doubled the advantage with his first international goal.
UAE, who beat four-time winners and reigning champions Japan to reach the last four, rarely looked like pulling off another upset and will now face Iraq in the third-place play-off.
The Socceroos meanwhile will bid to win the tournament for the first time when they take on South Korea - who are yet to concede a goal - in Saturday's decider at the ANZ Stadium in Sydney.
The two teams have already met at this year's Asian Cup, with South Korea winning 1-0 in the group stage.
Ange Postecoglou’s Australia made the perfect start in their semi-final as left-back Sainsbury headed them in front from a third-minute corner.
UAE came close to equalising shortly afterwards as Ahmed Khalil hit the post from 15 yards out with goalkeeper Mathew Ryan stranded.
But the Socceroos doubled their advantage in the 14th minute when centre-back Davidson slotted home after a defensive mix-up in the UAE penalty area to earn his first senior international goal.
While Australia were in control at half-time, their performance dipped after the break and Khalil shot narrowly wide with a long-range effort six minutes into the second half.
As the rain lashed down, Australia went close to adding to their tally in the 71st minute but midfielder Massimo Luongo could not hit the target.
Right winger Ali Mabkhout was denied the chance to pull a goal back for the UAE in the penultimate minute by Sainsbury's timely tackle and Australia played out the remaining minutes to book their place in Saturday's final.
