Australia produced a thrilling opening night for home fans as they kicked off the Asian Cup with a thumping 4-1 win over Kuwait.

Swindon Town midfielder Massimo Luongo justified his surprise start with an excellent performance for the hosts, which actually went behind early on before fighting back.

Hussain Fadhel headed the Kuwaitis in front from a corner before Luongo created the hosts' first goal of the tournament - scored by who else, but Tim Cahill.

That opener came on the half-hour and it was Luongo who struck next ten minutes later, heading home from Ivan Franjic's cross.

After the break, Crystal Palace and Australia skipper Jedinak sealed the result by converting a penalty which was hard-won by Robbie Kruse, who was tripped in the box by Kuwait's Sultan Alenezi.

Jedinak coolly scored in the 62nd minute with a low right-footer - he went to the keeper's left as the Kuwaiti dived right.

James Troisi sealed the result with rasping drive in the final minutes to send the home fans home happy.