Ruthless Australia find form in rout of Thailand

BANGKOK, July 16 (Reuters) Australia put a dismal start to their first Asian Cup campaign behind them by thrashing co-hosts Thailand 4-0 to reach the quarter-finals today.

Captain Mark Viduka scored two late goals in a ruthless display by the Socceroos which set up a mouth-watering last-eight clash with Japan.

Michael Beauchamp opened the scoring from a set-piece in the 20th minute before captain Viduka sealed victory with goals in the 79th and 83rd minutes.

Harry Kewell completed the rout with a goal in the last minute of normal time, confirming the one-time tournament favourites' return to form.

The two teams finished Group A level on four points in second place but Australia went through as runners-up based on their head to head result.

Iraq finished top of the group standings after playing out a scoreless draw with Oman. Iraq play Vietnam in the quarter-finals.

The Socceroos were in danger of an embarrassing early exit from the tournament after drawing 1-1 with Oman and losing 3-1 to Iraq but found their form in the nick of time at a packed Rajamangala stadium.

After struggling to cope with the heat and humidity in their previous games, the Australians could not have asked for better conditions with the match played at night in steady rain.

Coach Graham Arnold reacted to his team's loss against Iraq by making four changes to his starting lineup and his selections were vindicated when Beauchamp headed a perfectly-weighted free kick from Luke Wilkshire past Thailand goalkeeper Kosin Hathairatanakool.

Australia's superior height gave them a distinct advantage in the air but they struggled to maintain possession long enough to create many opportunities.

Thailand had more chances but poor finishing and desperate Australian defence kept them scoreless even after the introduction of playmaker Datsakorn Thonglao, who was married yesterday and started on the bench.

Sutee Suksomkit almost scored in the seventh minute when he curled a cross from the left that beat Australian keeper Mark Schwarzer but floated past the far post.

Substitute Pipat Thonkanya had a great chance to equalise midway through the second half when he shot from inside the box straight at Schwarzer and Suchao Nutnum unleashed a powerful long range drive that went just wide.

After soaking up the pressure for almost an hour, Australia caught Thailand on the counter-attack with Newcastle striker Viduka completing a quickfire double before Liverpool's Kewell scored a fine solo goal to add gloss to an impressive win.

REUTERS BJR BD2216