Tim Cahill came off the bench to score the winner for a dominant Caltex Socceroos who registered a precious 1-0 win over UAE in steamy Abu Dhabi on Wednesday morning (AEST).
The Socceroos have now made a perfect start to Group B, with two wins from two in the final phase of World Cup qualification.
Australia adapted their high-energy game to the 30 degrees plus conditions, opting for a more energy-efficient possession-based game that largely blunted a direct UAE.
At the Mohammed Bin Zayed Stadium, Australia began somewhat nervously in possession and weathered an early storm orchestrated by sublime playmaker Omar Abdulrahman to then dominate the first half and create out a few good chances.
But with 20 minutes to go, with his first touch, Tim Cahill popped up free in the box to direct Brad Smith’s pin-point cross home with his right foot to break Emirates' hearts.
In front of a big and boisterous crowd on a slick surface, the game got off to a high-tempo start.
But as the half wore on, the Socceroos adapted to the heat, adapting a less frenetic pace, keeping the ball, out-passing and out-possessing the hosts.
UAE opted to go more direct with playmaker Omar Abdulrahman pinging some exquisite balls over the top which caused Australia’s defence some problems. Al-Hamady in particular the option up front.
But the bulk of the best chances in the first half fell to the Aussies.
Spiranovic got in a free header on target from a Mooy corner, Rogic almost scored just before the break but his shot was parried while Robbie Kruse had the best chance.
Juric put through the former Melbourne Victory man with a pin-point diagonal ball but his right-footed shot was stopped by the arm of Khalid Eisa in the UAE goal.
UAE came out firing in the second half making the most of their power strikers and direct play.
The game opened up with chances at both ends - Ali Makhbout the best for UAE after Mooy sliced a loose ball onto the bar.
But the turning point came when Cahill came on for Tomi Juric with about 20 minutes to go.
With his first touch, Cahill was left unmarked in the box and Brad Smith’s excellent cross was guided home by the Melbourne City striker’s right boot.
UAE ramped up the intensity in the latter stages as the Green and Gold were pushed back by Mahdi Ali's desperate men.
And despite a few half chances, UAE simply weren’t good enough to trouble the Australian defence as the Socceroos held on for a precious three points on the road.