Title favorites but desperate Australia qualified for the knock-out stage after smashing co-host Thailand 4-0 at Asian Cup here on Monday.

Australia, who performed poorly in the first two matches with a tie and a loss, grabbed the last chance to stand second after Iraq in Group A. They will meet defending champions Japan, who topped Group B after defeating co-host Vietnam 4-1, in quarter-finals.

Thailand, who collected the same four points with Australia, had to accept the exit for poor head-to-head result. Oman, who tied Iraq 0-0 in their last group match, were at the bottom with two points from three games.

Australia and Thailand played a balanced game in the first half, but the Socceroos grasped one opportunity to score.

Midfielder Michael Beauchamp gave Australia the lead in the 23th minute when he headed the ball home via a freekick.

After the interval, Thailand put more force in attacking, creating countless scoring chance, but their strikers failed to find targets.

Australian star striker Mark Viduka extended the lead in the 80th minute when his powerful shoot hit one Thailand defender and was deflected into the net.

Viduka scored again three minutes later with a header before frustrated Thai defenders.

In a solo run, Liverpool's star midfielder Harry Kewell sealed the victory for Australia in the 89th minute, sending the ball into the left corner of the net.

Source: Xinhua