Doha, Jan 11: Australia drubbed India 4-0 in an Asian game Group C match at the Al-Sadd stadium on Jan 10. Had it not been for the valiant efforts of Indian goalkeeper Subroto Paul, the scoreline would have been more embarrassing for India.

India who for the first time since 1984, appeared at the Asian Cup were thoroughly outplayed by the Aussies. Tim Cahill opened the account for Australia by scoring the first goal in the 11th minute of the game. Cahill struck again in the 65th minute of the game when he headed a free-kick from Wilkshire.

The other two goals were scored by Harry Kewell and Brett Holmann.

Plenty of fans came in to support the Indian team but had to go home disappointed after some lack-lustre performance from the 142nd ranked team in the world. Only Sunil Chettri could once manage to go past Australian defence but only to be halted by a tackle from tackle from Sasa Ognenovski.

In another Group C match South Korea brushed off Bahrain 2-1 to begin their quest for their first Asian Cup title in 50 years. From Group C, South Korea is one of the favorites to at least qualify for the knockout stages.