Asia Cup: Cahill flies high for the Socceroos

(REUTERS)

Tim Cahill scored two goals yesterday to help Australia beat India 4-0 in Group C of the Asian Cup and gets its campaign in Asia's premier tournament off to strong start.

The Australians went on the attack from the start and were rewarded in the 11th minute when a cross from Brett Emerton was swept in by Everton midfielder Cahill. Australia added two more goals in the first half, including a precise shot from Harry Kewell from just outside the area. Brett Holman also scored in first-half injury time.

The Aussies could have had two or three more in the first half, but were denied by several athletic saves by India goalkeeper Subrata Paul, the best of which was a reflex stop from Cahill, who had another effort ruled out for offside.

Cahill finally added his second with a header in the 65th from Luke Wilkshire's cross, giving him 24 goals in 48 international appearances. He celebrated with a call me sign, a bid to encourage people to contribute money to flood relief efforts in Queensland, Australia.

India, which hadn't threatened the entire match, had its only real chance in the dying minutes of the match when striker Sunil Chhetri got past the Australian defense, but he was unable to beat Australian keeper Mark Schwarzer.