A Tim Cahill goal described as one of the best in Asian Cup history and a trademark header saw Australia reach the semi-finals of the Asian Cup yesterday.

Cahill’s opener was equal to, if not better than, his volley against the Netherlands in the World Cup group stage last summer. 

This was a perfect bicycle kick which left goalkeeper Wang Dalei with no chance of keeping the ball out, watching the ball nestle in the bottom right-hand corner of the net.

Captain Mile Jedinak praised the former Everton midfielder and the rest of the side after the victory which kept alive their dreams of lifting the trophy in their homeland.

“We know if we kept (our shape), especially in the first 10-15 minutes in the second half, that we’d get our opportunities and that’s the way it panned out,” Jedinak said after the match.

“That man again, Tim Cahill, comes up with the goods.

“Overall, a fantastic team effort. Very disciplined, very organised and I am very proud of my team at the minute.”

Australia will meet the winner of today’s match between Iran and Iraq next Tuesday, with the final on Saturday.