Viduka On The Double In Big Win

Mark Viduka capped his first game as captain of the Socceroos with a two-goal haul, including a spectacular overhead kick, as Australia takes a commanding 7-0 lead into the second leg of their Powerade Series matches against the Solomon Islands.

Mark Viduka capped his first game as captain of the Socceroos with a two-goal haul, including a spectacular overhead kick, as Australia takes a commanding 7-0 lead into the second leg of their Powerade Series matches against the Solomon Islands.

It was a match that Australia completely dominated from start to finish and should have won by a larger margin.

While Viduka grabbed two first half goals, Jason Culina scored his first international goal with a thunderous shot, while Tom Cahill, Scott Chipperfield, Archie Thompson and Brett Emerton also scored in the win.

Socceroos coach Guus Hiddink could not remember an easier game he has been involved in, but was happy with the win none-the-less.

”That was expected, but of course we are happy to win every game,” said Hiddink, when asked if he had been involved in an easier game.

“What is important is I like to see some things that we have practised for the big games coming up, to see that in the game.”

“We said we would full press from the start, which we did and then we have to have a little bit of luck when the area is too crowded.

“I think we did well to not let them play and there were quality goals.”

The pick of the goals was Viduka-s first goal in the 36th minute, with Australia leading 1-0, when he picked up a loose ball that bounced behind him and proceeded to unleash a perfect overhead kick that gave brave Solomon-s keeper Francis Aruwafu no chance.

“It was a nice one, it (the ball) bounced off Aloisi and was perfect (to hit)," said Viduka on his goal.

Not far behind Viduka-s goal was the effort of FC Twente-s Culina, who opened the scoring in the 21st minute with a fabulous strike from outside the area that thundered into the top corner.

With shackles broken by Australia, Viduka added a regulation header before the end of the half, for a 3-0 half time lead.

It the lead could have been more, but not for the keeping of Aruwafu, who denied Viduka a hat-trick, plus Chipperfield and Culina with good saves.

It however turned into a miserable night for Aruwafu, who was directly at fault with three of Australia-s four second half goals. He fumbled a Cahill header over the line in the 57th minute and then allowed long range shots from Chipperfield and Emerton to slip by him.

Thompson, who six days earlier at the very same ground, played a man-of-the-match performance for Melbourne Victory against Sydney FC, was again lively when he came on and scored a deserved his goal. His was the pick of the second half goals and showed his skill and shooting ability with a terrific strike from an acute angle.

Hiddink will take the full squad to Honiara for the second leg, although it remains to be seen, if many of the players on the park tonight will see game time.   Match Details AUSTRALIA 7 (Jason Culina 20', Mark Viduka 26', 43', Tim Cahill 57', Scott Chipperfield 64', Archie Thompson 68', Brett Emerton 89')

SOLOMON ISLANDS 0

Australia Line-up - Mark Schwarzer (gk); Lucas Neill, Tony Vidmar, Tony Popovic (Mark Bresciano 57'), Brett Emerton, Josip Skoko (Vince Grella 71'), Mark Viduka, Tim Cahill, Scott Chipperfield, John Aloisi (Archie Thompson 62'), Jason Culina

Solomon Islands Line-up - Francis Aruwafu (gk); Leslie Leo, Mahlon Houkarawa, Nelson Sale, Alick Maemae (Stanly Waita h/t), Kidstone Billy, Batram Suri (George Suri 42'), George Lui, Gideon Omokirio, Henry Fa-Arodo, Francis Wasi (Richard Anisua 59')

Cautions: Sale 14', 53'

Red Card: Sale 53'

Attendance: 14,715

Referee - Subkhiddin Mohd Salleh (Malaysia) Assistant Referee - Mohammed Saeed (Maldives) Assistant Referee - Nasaruddin Ishak (Malaysia) Fourth Official - Ahmad Khalidi Supian (Malaysia)