Socceroos cruise into Asian Cup quarters
Australia defeated Indonesia 4-0 to advance to the quarter-finals of the Asian Cup, where it will be joined by tournament debutant Tajikistan.
Two goals in the first half put 2015 Asian Cup champion Australia in control in the last-16 clash with Indonesia at the Jassim bin Hamad Stadium.
Martin Boyle's header added to an early own goal from Elkan Baggott.
Late strikes from Craig Goodwin and Harry Souttar scuppered any hopes that Indonesia, playing their first game in the knockout stage, may have had of getting back into the match.
"We knew they would come out here with nothing to lose today, we knew they would come and fight and run," said Jackson Irvine, who had a hand in two goals.
"In the first half they caused us some problems with their energy and intensity but our experience and professionalism shone through in the second half and I think we had too much for them on the day."
Indonesia had chances, coming close after just six minutes but Rafael Struick fired over from close range. With half-time looming, Yakob Sayuri fired wide while unmarked on the left side of the area.
"I am very proud of my team,” said Indonesia captain Jordi Amat. "We knew from the start it would be a tough game. They were more clinical in the first half. We had our chances but couldn’t score. We need to work and come back stronger."
Australia will face the winner of the match tie between heavyweight South Korea and Saudi Arabia.
Meanwhile, Tajikistan will take on either Iraq or Jordan after they overcame the United Arab Emirates 5-3 on penalties, following a 1-1 draw at Ahmad bin Ali Stadium.
Tajikistan's resolve could easily have faltered after Khalifa Al Hammadi's equaliser deep in second-half stoppage time cancelled out Vahdat Hanonov's opener and forced extra time.
But with a shoot-out required to settle the contest, goalkeeper Rustam Yatimov was Tajikistan's hero when he kept out Caio Canedo's spot-kick, with Alisher Shukurov keeping his cool to continue the minnow's dream run.