Viduka and Kewell on target in Singapore

Mark Viduka and Harry Kewell were amongst the goals, as the Socceroos won 3-0 over Singapore at the National Stadium in Singapore, to go into next weeks Asian Cup with plenty of confidence.

Mark Viduka was at his predatory best, with a brace of goals in the Socceroos 3-0 win over Singapore at the National Stadium in Singapore. Harry Kewell also got his name on the scoresheet in his international come back match since last years World Cup.

All the goals came in the second half, with Viduka grabbing his headed goals in the 51st and 88th minutes, while Kewell scored in the 76th minute. Adelaide United and Qantas Under 23 striker Nathan Burns also made his senior debut, coming on as a late substitute.

The win, the Socceroos 200th international victory, was the final hit out for the squad in the lead up to the Asian Cup, which starts on July 8 when they play Oman in Bangkok.

It was by no means an easy match for Australia, who had to survive a few anxious moments, against a lively Singapore side that can consider themselves unlucky to not have scored on the night.

The arduous week on the training paddock and sapping conditions seemed to have an impact on Australia in the first half. Although dominating possession and the attempts at goal, it was Singapore that had the better of the chances.

Indeed Australia could have found themselves down a goal at half time, if Singapore dangerman Indra Sahdan was a few inches lower with a bullet header in the 44th minute that cannoned against the crossbar.

It was the third chance he had in a good spell for the home team towards the end of the half, the first two where he forced saves from Australian goalkeeper Mark Schwarzer. On the first occasion, the Middlesbrough keeper stood tall when faced one-on-one, to save Indra shot after he tried to capitalize on a defensive mistake.

Brett Holman however should have given Australia the lead a minute later, but he shot wide from 7 yards with the goal seemingly at his mercy.

Australia though clicked into gear after the break and just six minutes in, Australia broke quickly from their own half, strung numerous passes together and ended with Jason Culina-s cross, being headed home by Viduka from close range.

The game opened up after that, although it was Singapore that had a couple of chances with Amri beating Schwarzer but not the woodwork.

From that moment though, Australia dominated with Bresciano and Kewell both denied by the Singapore keeper with good one-on-one opportunities.

However Kewell made sure of the win when he ran onto a through ball and scored with an excellent finish from the edge of the area.

Viduka then sealed the win, when he powered home an inch-perfect cross from Kewell.

Match Details

Australia 3 (Mark Viduka 51-/88-, Harry Kewell 76-) Singapore 0

Australian line-up: Mark Schwarzer (gk), Lucas Neill, Patrick Kisnorbo (Michael Beauchamp 54-), Jason Culina, Brett Emerton, Luke Wilkshire (Michael Thwaite 87-), Mark Viduka (Nathan Burns 90-), Vince Grella, Brett Holman (Archie Thompson 68-), Mile Sterjovski (Nick Carle 77-), Marco Bresciano (Harry Kewell 61-) Subs not used: Brad Jones (gk), Mark Bridge, Carl Valeri, Michael Petkovic (gk), David Carney, Mark Milligan

Unavailable: Tim Cahill, John Aloisi

Cautions: Kisnorbo (31-), Grella (49-)