AUSTRALIA is through to the final of the OCEANIA NATIONS CUP, after grinding out a 1-0 victory over VANUATU, in todays 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 didnt 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 tonights second semi final between NEW ZEALAND and the SOLOMON ISLANDS.