Cahill 2-goal hero as Aussies down Japan

Agence France-Presse

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The mercurial Everton midfielder popped up for his brace after Australia had conceded their first goal in eight qualifiers to keep the team unbeaten as they head to South Africa along with Japan for next year's World Cup finals.

Cahill scored in the 59th and 76th minutes to continue his 'lucky charm' effect on the Socceroos and conjure memories of his late double when Australia came from behind to beat Japan 3-1 at the 2006 World Cup. Cahill now has 16 goals in 33 internationals.

Australia finished Group A with 20 points and inflicted Asian rival Japan's first defeat in 11 qualifiers this campaign. Japan last lost 1-0 to Bahrain in Manama on March 26 last year.

But for a time it looked as though Japan would register a prestige win in front of almost 70,000 people at the Melbourne Cricket Ground.

Japan's Brazilian-born defender Tulio broke the deadlock and ended Australian goalkeeper Mark Schwarzer's seven-match run of clean sheets with a headed goal in the 40th minute. But Cahill proved Australia's hero with a trademark header 15 minutes after halftime.

Cahill scored his second 14 minutes from time when he volleyed home Carle's corner.