Soccer: Socceroos reach quarters

Mile Jedinak blasted the Socceroos to the top of Group C and into the Asian Cup quarter-finals with his second goal in as many games in a hard-fought 1-0 win over Bahrain in Doha on Tuesday.

The midfielder, who opened his account with a crucial equaliser in the 1-1 draw with Korea, made it two from two with a stunning long-range effort in the 37th minute at Al Sadd Stadium.

Australia only needed a draw to progress but the win saw Australia finish top of their group on goal difference by a single goal, after South Korea beat India 4-1 at Al Gharafa Stadium to progress in second place.

It means the Socceroos should avoid a quarter-final against Group D leaders Iran, and they will now face the second-placed team from that group - likely to be either Iraq, North Korea or UAE - at Al Sadd Stadium on Saturday (Sunday morning AEDT).

A sour point from the victory came from a needless yellow card to winger Brett Emerton - his second of the tournament - meaning he will miss the quarter-final.

Bahrain, ranked 93rd in the world, had proved stiff opposition for the Socceroos in the past and it proved no different on a damp night in front of just 3919 fans in Doha.

Knowing only a win would see them through to the knockout stages, the gulf nation mounted pressure after falling behind and only three cracking second-half saves from Mark Schwarzer prevented a nervous finish to the match.

Australia coach Holger Osieck made three changes to the side that drew with Korea, with injured trio Luke Wilkshire (groin), Jason Culina (knee) and David Carney (groin) all left out.

Carl Valeri and Jade North came in as expected while Brisbane midfielder Matt McKay filled in at left back for Carney.

McKay looked a little at sea early on but grew into the game, while North and Culina proved solid back-ups.

Emerton and Tim Cahill squandered chances early on before Bahrain striker Ismaeel Abdullatuf gave the Socceroos a scare when he struck the right upright from close range in the 31st minute.

Harry Kewell then wasted a golden chance after a perfect set-up from Brett Holman in the 32nd minute, firing a shot into the body of Bahrain goalkeeper Mahmood Mansoor from close range.

But Jedinak made amends when he collected a poor clearance and unleashed a low drive which skidded awkwardly on a slippery surface and beat the 'keeper for his second goal in 21 appearances.

The ever-reliable Schwarzer was called into action after halftime, stopping powerful shots from Abdullatif and Abdulla Fatadi and then a point-blank stop with his leg to deny Fatadi on 67 minutes.

Australia's best chance of the second half fell to Cahill, but the Everton star put his header well wide on an off night.

Osieck introduced Scott McDonald, Neil Kilkenny and Robbie Kruse off the bench in the second half and Australia held on to top spot despite some late pressure.

- AAP