Hosts Australia will face South Korea in the final of the AFC Asian Cup Australia 2015 after maiden international goals from both Trent Sainsbury and Jason Davidson in the first half at a damp Newcastle Stadium secured a 2-0 win over the United Arab Emirates on Tuesday.
The Socceroos were far too accomplished for UAE, which had beaten Japan in a penalty shootout to reach the last four, in what proved a largely one-sided semi-final.
Sainsbury handed 2011 finalists Australia the ideal start to their bid to secure a second consecutive final appearance as the centre-back headed home inside the first three minutes of the semi-final with his first goal for the Socceroos.
And with Davidson following suit 11 minutes later as the full-back became Australia’s 10th different scorer during the tournament, Ange Postecoglou’s side will face two-time winners Korea on Saturday at Stadium Australia looking to claim a maiden continental title.
The UAE, despite eye-catching cameos from their star playmaker Omar Abdulrahman, rarely threatened against the cohesive Socceroos who turned in a complete performance, resolute defense blended with attacking menace, all underpinned by tireless work ethic.
The UAE will now remain in Newcastle for a play-off for third spot in the cup against Iraq on Friday. And the buoyant Socceroos head for Sydney and their second consecutive cup final, after losing 0-1 to Japan four years ago.
