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Tim Cahill scores twice as Socceroos beat Ireland 3-0 in Limerick
From correspondents in Limerick, Republic of Ireland
August 13, 2009
Tim Cahill netted two first-half goals as the Socceroos crushed the Republic of Ireland 3-0 in the international friendly in Limerick.
Ireland pushed hard to get back into the match into the second half, but a combination of poor finishing and good defending protected Australia's lead before David Carney scored a memorable goal from long range in the dying moments to complete the rout.
It was the home side's biggest defeat since 2006 and only the second loss under Giovanni Trapattoni since the Italian manager took over in May last year.
Cahill combined beautifully with Scott McDonald for his first, an international goal still eluding the Celtic striker after 14 appearances for his country.
A short time later, Cahill pounced on a loose ball after teammate Rhys Williams's shot was saved to send the visitors to the break with a two-goal advantage.
"It's great to win in a place like Ireland," Cahill said.
"Playing a full-strength team at home is for us a big step in international football and something that with the players that we've had and players missing, the boys should be proud of."
McDonald would almost certainly have broken his scoring drought after 21 minutes had Shay Given spilled Patrick Kisnorbo's header, but the Ireland and Manchester City goalkeeper leapt desperately on the ball and held firm.
Moments later, Socceroos custodian Mark Schwarzer, standing in as captain for the club-less Lucas Neill, made a sharp save to deny Ireland skipper Robbie Keane, who beat Kisnorbo and drilled the ball at goal from close range.
Just after half an hour had elapsed, McDonald's Celtic teammate Aiden McGeady beat Australia defender Jade North but fired over the crossbar.
Darron Gibson then blew an opportunity for Ireland to break the deadlock when his cross to striker Kevin Doyle was way off target.
Cahill made the breakthrough in the 38th minute with some help from McDonald as the pair took on five Ireland defenders.
Cahill passed to McDonald, who in turn laid it off to the Everton star and the resulting shot from the edge of the box found the bottom left corner of the net.
Just before half-time, Cahill struck again.
http://www.foxsports.com.au/story/0,...014539,00.html
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Was the wait worth it - Ya betta baby 
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