Celebration for captain Viduka

CAPTAIN Mark Viduka celebrated his 30th birthday in style by inspiring Australia to a convincing 5-0 friendly victory over Jamaica which leaves the Socceroos in good shape going into their World Cup play-off next month.

The Middlesbrough striker revelled in his role as skipper at Fulham’s Craven Cottage, leading the Australia attack and netting his side’s third goal shortly before being replaced in the 56th minute.

Marco Bresciano and Archie Thompson scored first-half goals, with John Aloisi grabbing the fourth two minutes after replacing Viduka and fellow substitute Joel Griffiths, who came on with Everton midfielder Tim Cahill with 11 minutes remaining, completing the rout late on.

Australia were the better team from the outset and got an early reward with a second-minute goal from Bresciano, who also netted the opener in the two teams’ only other meeting, a 2-1 win for Australia at Reading’s Madejski Stadium in September 2003.