Australia has crashed to a 3-1 defeat at the hands of the USA in their final World Cup warm-up match in Roodepoort today. Australia 1 (T.Cahill 19th) USA 3 (E. Buddle 4th, 31st, H. Gómez 90) at Ruimsig Stadium Australia had never lost a match in which Tim Cahill had scored, but the Americans showed that they are a force to be reckoned with after an impressive performance.

David Beckham was in the crowd to see the Americans - who take on England in their first up match next week - and he would have been impressed with the fluent and disciplined perforamance.

Edson Buddle opened the scoring for the USA after Australia's Vince Grella lost possession outside the 18 yard box, allowing Buddle to shoot passed Mark Schwarzer.

The Americans missed several clear opportunities after the opening goal and after 19 minutes they were made to pay for these as Australia won a corner, and Cahill found himself free to tap in at the far post.

Just as the Socceroos played themselves back into the match, Buddle stole back the lead for the Americans in the 31st minute with a superb header to finish an precise cross from Michael Bradley.

With Australia pushing for an equaliser, substitute Herculez Gomez was able to get onto the end of Donovan's piercing ball into the penalty area to complete the 3-1 scoreline.