Cahill and Kruse on the mark in Qantas Socceroos win

The Qantas Socceroos have tuned up for the FIFA 2014 World Cup Asian qualifiers with a slick 2-1 victory over Wales in Cardiff.

The Qantas Socceroos have tuned up for the FIFA 2014 World Cup Asian qualifiers with a slick 2-1 victory over Wales in Cardiff.

Tim Cahill-s crisp volley in the 44th minute and a neat Robbie Kruse finish in the 60th minute were fair rewards for some beautiful passing and clever build-up by the Qantas Socceroos.

Darcy Blake reduced the arrears for Wales with a header in the 82nd minute, setting up a tense finish, but the Welsh rarely bothered the Australian defence.

Lucas Neill and Matthew Spiranovic were resolute in the middle, while Michael Zullo was outstanding at left full back.

Qantas Socceroos coach Holger Osieck praised his players for the impressive away win against a team featuring the English Premier League PFA Player of the Year Gareth Bale of Spurs, prolific EPL striker Craig Bellamy and Arsenal-s rising star Aaron Ramsey.

“The win is very important because it builds confidence for the World Cup qualifiers, but I was also happy to see the players come together again after their off-season and play with cohesion,” said Osieck.

“We introduced a few players in new positions as well and produced good football despite the changes. However, this is only a warm up for the important game against Thailand in Brisbane.”

Osieck was also impressed at Michael Zullo-s performance in shutting down Bellamy in the first half and Bale in the second half.

“I think it was a maximum test. He got an impression of what was required on the standard of play and we have to face it,” said Osieck.

“Wales have a couple of excellent individuals and they play in top clubs in the Premiership and I knew it would be a tough game but as a group we responded well.”

Brett Emerton now sits equal second for all-time appearances for the Qantas Socceroos after making his 87th appearance in Cardiff.

However, Emerson-s night was cut short when he was substituted at half time with a stomach upset. Luke Wilkshire also left the game at the interval due to a rib injury, which was painful enough to hamper the full back, but is not considered serious.

Tim Cahill scored his 24th goal in 53 internationals and appeared refreshed after a quiet off-season. Robbie Kruse now has two goals from eight appearances.

The match was a milestone for Adam Sarota, who made his full international debut when he came on as a sub in the final 10 minutes.

Luke Wilkshire came close to open the scoring for the Qantas Socceroos in the 35th minute. He collected a pass on the right side of midfield before unleashing a 30 yard shot that came off the post.

Wales were however unable to prevent Australia from breaking the deadlock just before half time. Matt McKay and Neil Kilkenny exchanged passes in the middle of the park before releasing the ball to Wilkshire on the right flank. Wilkshire-s cross was met by Tim Cahill-s volley to give Australia a one goal advantage going into the break.

Holger Osieck made two changes at half time bringing on Rhys Williams and Kruse for Wilkshire and Emerton. Kruse made an immediate impact when his shot in the 50th minute was saved by goalkeeper Wayne Hennessey. Valeri was first to the rebound but his shot hit the woodwork.

The Qantas Socceroos extended their lead 10 minutes later from a great build up in midfield. Cahill, Kruse and Scott McDonald linked up well before McDonald-s low cross was parried by Hennessey onto the feet of Kruse. Kruse made no mistake to slot the ball into the empty net. Wales pulled a goal back in the 83rd minute from a corner. The unmarked Darcy headed the ball beyond the reach of Mark Schwarzer to give Wales a chance at a comeback. Bale had one last opportunity in the 89th minute but his goal bound shot was headed away by Matthew Spiranovic.

The Qantas Socceroos open their FIFA 2014 World Cup qualifiers against Thailand in Brisbane on Friday 2 September. Click here for ticketing details.

Match Details: Qantas Socceroos 2 (Tim Cahill 44-, Robbie Kruse 60-) Wales 1 (Darcy Blake 83-) International Friendly Wednesday 10 August Cardiff City Stadium, Cardiff

Qantas Socceroos line-up: 1. Mark SCHWARZER (gk), 2. Lucas NEILL (c), 4. Tim CAHILL (11. James TROISI 70-), 6. Matthew SPIRANOVIC, 7. Brett EMERTON (5. Rhys WILLIAMS 46-), 8. Luke WILKSHIRE (23. Robbie KRUSE 46-), 9. Scott MCDONALD (15.Mile JEDINAK 90-), 14. Michael ZULLO (13. Adam SAROTA 83-), 16. Carl VALERI, 17, Matt MCKAY, 19. Neil KILKENNY

Substitutes Not Used: 20. Luke DEVERE, 12. Adam FEDERICI (gk)

Yellow Cards: Michael Zullo 56-

Red Cards: Nil

Wales line-up: 1. Wayne HENNESSEY (gk), 2. Chris GUNTER (16. Adam MATTHEWS 63-), 3. Neil TAYLOR, 4. David VAUGHAN (22. Joe ALLEN 71-), 5. Daniel GABBIDON (21. Darcy BLAKE 46-), 6. Ashley WILLIAMS, 7. Robert EARNSHAW (18. Steve MORISON63-), 8. Craig BELLAMY, 9. Joe LEDLEY, 10. Aaron RAMSEY (c) (14. Jack COLLISON 46-), 11. Gareth BALE

Substitutes Not Used: 12. Boaz MYHILL (gk), 13. Neal EARDLEY, 15. Danny COLLINS, 17. Hal ROBSON-KANU, 19. Andy KING, 20. Owain TUDUR-JONES

Yellow Cards: Nil

Red Cards: Nil