Oceania Nations Cup - Semi-final Victory

AUSTRALIA is through to the final of the OCEANIA NATIONS CUP, after grinding out a 1-0 victory over VANUATU, in today’s semi final at the Stade de Pater in Tahiti.

AUSTRALIA is through to the final of the OCEANIA NATIONS CUP, after grinding out a 1-0 victory over VANUATU, in today-s semi final at the Stade de Pater in Tahiti.

In a game of few chances and lots of tough tackling, KEVIN MUSCAT put the ball away from the penalty spot in the 4th minute after a hand-ball incident, for the only goal of the game.

The LG Socceroos were continually frustrated by a Vanuatuan team which put everything into defence, and continually foiled Australian attacks at the last minute.

"Basically, it was an ugly game to watch, but we got what we needed out of it, and that was a win," said LG Socceroo Coach FRANK FARINA after the game.

"I thought we were a little flat, but they did exactly what we expected them to do, which was to put everyone behind the ball.

"To their credit, they were very organized in defence and it was up to us to break them down, and I was a little disappointed with some aspects of our game.

"I felt we were too slow in our buildups and as a result would come up against a wall of defence every time, and we didn-t have enough penetration from out wide, with the exception of Stan Lazaridis.

"Still, in the end we were expected to win and we did win, and I-m very confident we will improve into the Final." AUSTRALIA will play the winner of tonight-s second semi final between NEW ZEALAND and the SOLOMON ISLANDS.

SUMMARY: FULL TIME RESULT: AUSTRALIA 1 (Kevin Muscat pen 4- ) VANUATU 0

LINEUPS: AUSTRALIA Zeljko Kalac (gk); Kevin Muscat, Shaun Murphy, Tony Popovic, Danny Tiatto, Stan Lazaridis, Paul Okon, Craig Foster (Aurelio Vidmar 65-), Brett Emerton, David Zdrilic (Clayton Zane 55-), Paul Agostino VANUATU David Chilia (gk); Simon Lauru, Georgino Tura, Lexa Bibi, Georges Natuoivi, Richard Iwai, Willie August, Pita Maki (Fedy Vava 64-), Maki Haitong (Auretau King 90-), Graham Demas, Ivoki Kaltak (Hert Obed 46-), Yellow Cards D Tiatto (Aus) 43-, C Foster (Aus) 64-, L Bibi (Van) 76-, S Lauru (Van) 82-, D Chilia (Van) 85-, W August (Van) 91-+

NEXT MATCH: FINAL - AUSTRALIA Vs WINNER New Zealand Vs Solomon Islands DATE: Wednesday 28th June (Tahiti)/Thursday 29th June (Australia) KICK-OFF: 8.00pm (Tahiti)/4.00pm (AEST) VENUE: Stade de Pater, Tahiti