Bangladesh vs Australia. FIFA World Cup Asian Qualifying Group Two.
Tuesday 17 November 2015 16:35, UK
Tim Cahill scored a first-half hat-trick as Australia defeated Bangladesh 4-0 in their 2018 World Cup qualifier in Dhaka on Tuesday.
Cahill was joined on the scoresheet by Crystal Palace captain Mile Jedinak as Australia moved top of Group B after closest rivals Jordan lost 1-0 in Kyrgyzstan.
The eight group winners and four best runners-up will all progress to the next phase, which decide Asia's four automatic qualifiers for Russia in 2018.
Despite only arriving in Bangladesh the day before the game due to security concerns, Australia were expected to dominate the world's 180th-ranked side, and it took former Everton star Cahill just six minutes to put his country in front at the Bangabandhu National Stadium.
The evergreen striker headed in a free-kick from impressive midfielder Aaron Mooy, before adding a second in the 32nd minute when he volleyed home from close range after neat build-up play from Mooy.
The 35-year-old's hat-trick was complete seven minutes from half-time when he tapped in to an empty net for his 45th international goal and first treble since 2004, the year he made his international debut.
Mooy again played provider for Australia's fourth goal in the 43rd minute, delivering a free-kick into the box that was knocked down by defender Bailey Wright to Jedinak for the simplest of finishes.
Ange Postecoglou's side took their foot off the gas in the second half, with midfielders Aaron Mooy and Queens Park Rangers' Massimo Luongo taken off, safe in the knowledge they had done enough to claim a crucial three points on the road.
