Published Wednesday, 12 August 2009
The Republic's best moments were arriving down McGeady's left flank, the Celtic winger almost profiting from Jade North's heavy touch inside the area only to shoot high.
McGeady then twice saw crosses caught by Schwarzer before Gibson failed to spot Keane's run down the middle on a break, instead over-hitting a pass for Doyle that slid out.
The home side's profligacy proved costly as Australia hit them on the counter attack after 38 minutes.
McDonald and Cahill were Australia's only attackers as they forged forward, but they combined superbly to free the Everton man on the edge of the area where he slid a low show past a static Given.
The visitors could have had another moments later when Kewell got behind his marker only to head over from six yards.
The second did arrive after 44 minutes and it was Cahill again.
Rhys Williams was allowed a free run into the area before unleashing a fierce shot that Given could only block as far as Cahill to poke home.
The home side appealed hopefully for a handball with 15 minutes to go as the game slipped away.
Australia were happy to hold onto the ball at this stage and take time out of the game, although Kewell almost settled it when he flashed a shot wide from 30 yards.
The hosts almost got the goal they just about deserved four minutes from full-time when substitute Keith Andrews hit a post, before Sean St Ledger headed straight at Schwarzer from six yards.
An impressive Australian performance was given further gloss in stoppage time when Carney thrashed in an unstoppable 30-yard drive.
'Severe lesson'
Giovanni Trapattoni admitted his side had been handed a "severe lesson".
"I am a little bit disappointed with the team," the 70-year-old Italian said. "But I know this is not a normal this result, this situation can happen."
Referring to the block by Australia goalkeeper Mark Schwarzer to deny Keane in the first half he added: "In the first half Australia deserve to be winning, but also we had a great occasion with Robbie Keane.
"Maybe if we score this goal it could change the game or the result. But I think Australia is better than us and deserved this result."
The Republic sit second in their World Cup qualifying group, a point behind Italy having played a game more, to give them a real opportunity of qualifying for the finals.