Mile Jedinak's Australia side have reached the semi-finals of the Asian Cup by beating China 2-0.

The Palace captain returned to the Socceroos line-up to lead out his side in Brisbane having missed their previous two games with an ankle injury, but played the full 90 minutes to help the host nation reach the semi-finals.

Two second half goals from Tim Cahill settled the contest in the Aussies' favour, including a stunning bicycle kick, and Jedinak himself went close to breaking the deadlock in the first 45 minutes but his header from a Mark Bresciano cross flash wide.

Jedinak also picked up a booking in the contest, but won't have to worry about missing either the final or a third/fourth place play-off through suspension as all bookings are wiped ahead of the semi-finals.

Australia will now face the winner of tomorrow's Japan v United Arab Emirates clash in Newcastle on Tuesday for a place in the final on the 31st January.

Elsewhere in the tournament South Korea,who beat Australia in their final group game, needed extra-time to see off Uzbekistan and will take on either Iran or Iraq in the final four.