Iraq vs Socceroos: World Cup Qualifier live scores, blog
Roar Guru By Alan Nicolea, 17 Oct 2012 Alan Nicolea is a Roar Guru & Live Blogger
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Archie Thompson scored for the Socceroos against Lebanon in the 3-0 win (Image: AFP)
Live Scores
Scores updated each minute. REFRESH NOW
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Iraq V Australia GRAND HAMAD STADIUM, DOHA, 17 OCTOBER 2012 |
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|---|---|---|
| Iraq | Match Completed | Australia |
| 1 | FINAL SCORE | 2 |
| 0 | HALF TIME SCORE | 0 |
| 4 | SHOTS | 13 |
| 4 | SHOTS ON GOAL | 7 |
| 20 | FOULS | 18 |
| 0 | CORNERS | 7 |
| 4 | OFFSIDES | 0 |
| 44 | POSSESSION | 56 |
The Socceroos must win tonight when they face Iraq in Doha or find their 2014 World Cup Qualification campaign in serious jeopardy. Join us for live scores and commentary from 1.15pm AEDT.
The Socceroos have placed themselves in a perilous position heading into tonight’s crucial qualifier against Iraq.
Australia suffered a surprise defeat to Jordan in their last qualifier and need to steady the ship away from home against an Iraq team coached by Brazilian football legend Zico.
Although Iraq are coming off a 6-0 loss to Brazil in a friendly, playing against such high-class opposition will serve the home side well leading into their clash against Australia.
The Socceroos are really struggling for form and attacking chemistry at the moment and really need to fire tonight if they are to rescue a faltering World Cup qualifying campaign.
Key figures Tim Cahill, Mark Bresciano and Brett Holman must lead the way in attack against Iraq and look to counter the pressing tactics of the home side.
Against Jordan, Australia was never allowed to attain any sort of rhythm in possession, largely due to the opposition’s ability to pack players in the midfield and harass Bresciano and company.
With the Socceroos backs firmly against the wall here, the preceding trio need to get involved early in possession and build the momentum required to keep the Iraqi defence on its heels.
If the Socceroos manage to score an early goal, their chances of securing victory will increase tenfold and it may just be the spark that they need to finally play quality football.
Indeed, Australia probably should have led against Jordan early on but Cahill squandered a terrific chance by shooting straight to the goalkeeper from close range.
Such a miss proved costly in the end as the Socceroos struggled to create any chances of note due to poor build up in possession.
If Australia fails to convert any early chances tonight, the Socceroos confidence may take a dip, and at this level, Iraq will almost certainly make Australia pay for any lapses of concentration in testing conditions.
The Socceroos must also avoid resorting to the aerial route to goal. Such one dimensional tactics will play right into Iraq’s hands, given that the home side will be keen to dominate possession in front of their fans.
At their best Australia can stand up to credible opposition, as evidenced by their friendly victory against Germany and their great win against a strong Serbia outfit at the 2010 World Cup.
Their recent performances however have left a lot to be desired and it remains to be seen if the Socceroos will be able to turn the corner tonight against an Iraq side that would have learned a lot of valuable lessons in their recent loss to Brazil.
Prediction: Iraq 1-0 Australia
Live Score Updates
Scores updated each minute. REFRESH NOW
19' YELLOW CARD - Carl Valeri (Australia)
42' YELLOW CARD - Salam Shaker (Iraq)
57' YELLOW CARD - Lucas Neill (Australia)
61' YELLOW CARD - Khaldoun Albu-Mohammed Ibrahim (Iraq)
72' GOAL - Alaa Abdul-Zahra (Iraq)
80' GOAL - Tim Cahill (Australia)
84' GOAL - Archie Thompson (Australia)
88' YELLOW CARD - Tim Cahill (Australia)
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The Crowd Says (101) | Page 1 of Comments
The Roar Live Blog: Latest comments displayed at the top of the page | Click here to jump to leave a comment
1:25pm
Alan Nicolea said | 1:25pm | Report comment
Big time technical glitches Mark hahahah
3:13am
Alan Nicolea said | 3:13am | Report comment
Be careful with Oman. Don’t count your chickens before they have hatched. They too will be on cloud nine after their win over Jordan.
3:29am
Marc said | 3:29am | Report comment
Yeah Alan. Agreed. Respect. None of this Group is to be taken lightly, especially playing at home. Away though is a different story, they are mostly very poor travellers.
And Oman will come to Australia looking for a result, so it will be interesting
3:12am
Jamesb said | 3:12am | Report comment
Yaaaaaahhhhh! Well done. Back in business
3:11am
Alan Nicolea said | 3:11am | Report comment
No worries Kellett. Had a lot of trouble during the first half with my connection but glad to read you enjoyed it nonetheless especially the result.
3:10am
Marc said | 3:10am | Report comment
2nd place now:
Japan – 7
Australia – 5
Oman – 5
Jordan – 4
Iraq – 2
Long way to go but we do have 3 of the next 4 games at home, and would expect full points from those games against Oman, Jordan and Iraq.
3:10am
Stevo said | 3:10am | Report comment
What hat did we pull that result from? Just glad we did but geez Holger, we’re just hanging on to a spot to Rio.
3:12am
Marc said | 3:12am | Report comment
Hat? I would have said something else
3:13am
Stevo said | 3:13am | Report comment
Exactly and I was being toooo polite to put it into writing
3:09am
Alan Nicolea said | 3:09am | Report comment
The Socceroos have turned a massive corner tonight as they register their first win of the qualifying campaign with a come from behind 2-1 win against Iraq. It looked to have all gone pear shaped for Australia when Iraq hit the lead late in the second half but Cahill and Thompson scored two goals within five minutes of one another and the Socceroos managed to turn things around very well. This is a huge win for the Socceroos who now play Oman at home in the next round of qualifiers. Australia did have more chances and in the end deserve the victory. They played the better football but there is still improvement needed. All that counts though is the three points and boy what a valuable three points this will be for the Socceroos World Cup qualifying campaign. Are Australia back in business? Thanks for joining us tonight for this vital world cup qualifer.
Iraq 1
Australia 2
3:13am
Marc said | 3:13am | Report comment
Thanx Alan. And never say die spirit from the Socceroos in the Doha heat, and from you in the face of technical glitches.
3:09am
Jamesb said | 3:09am | Report comment
Im following this via phone. Cant believe whats happened
3:06am
Alan Nicolea said | 3:06am | Report comment
FULLTIME:
Iraq 1
Australia 2
3:08am
kellett_1992 said | 3:08am | Report comment
Congratulations to the Socceroos, things are looking bright for Australian Football. Hopefully Australia come home hard with a wet sail and win all their remaining matches. Will be great! Thank you for the great coverage Alan!
3:06am
Alan Nicolea said | 3:06am | Report comment
Australia controlling possession very well as we near fulltime. Iraq with one last attack here but the Socceroos recover possession well. Seconds remaining here
Iraq 1
Australia 2
3:04am
Alan Nicolea said | 3:04am | Report comment
Three minutes of time to be added on. Australia desperate to hold on. What a huge win this would be….
Iraq 1
Australia 2
3:03am
Alan Nicolea said | 3:03am | Report comment
Iraq win the goalkick now but time is running out. Poor Zico cannot defeat Australia. Cahill now is coming off. He rescues Australia once again!
Iraq 1
Australia 2
3:03am
Jamesb said | 3:03am | Report comment
When you select old players, you still have the same old problems
3:01am
Alan Nicolea said | 3:01am | Report comment
Iraq are pressing now as we approach fulltime. They can’t believe what’s happened. Great fightback from the Socceroos and they are going for the third now.
Iraq 1
Australia 2
2:59am
Alan Nicolea said | 2:59am | Report comment
CHANCE IRAQ – Schwarzer with a strong save he holds on to a drive from the Iraqi striker. Great save!
Iraq 1
Australia 2
2:58am
Alan Nicolea said | 2:58am | Report comment
Well this is a huge moment for the Socceroos right here. Great attitude in the face of adversity. Great cross from Oar and great header from Thompson. Iraq under all the pressure now. Socceroos on cloud nine!
Iraq 1
Australia 2
2:57am
Johnno said | 2:57am | Report comment
Unbeleivable game. Sport can be so cruel, yet so good wow unbveleibalble. We get 3 points here we are though to next round. 3 out of 4 final matches at home.
2:58am
Marc said | 2:58am | Report comment
Knighthood for Holger !
2:58am
DJW said | 2:58am | Report comment
Cruel? Iraq deserve nothing, totally outplayed
2:57am
Stevo said | 2:57am | Report comment
Farrrrrk. Two old codgers get the Socceroos back into this one. Super sub Archie!!!!
2:57am
Alan Nicolea said | 2:57am | Report comment
GOAL AUSTRALIA – Thompson scores for Australia. What a turnaround!
Iraq 1
Australia 2
2:56am
DJW said | 2:56am | Report comment
THOMPSONNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNN GET INNNN
2:56am
Marc said | 2:56am | Report comment
YES!!!!
2:56am
Alan Nicolea said | 2:56am | Report comment
83′ – Well of a sudden, Australia look on top and look the more likely to register the win. Iraq look as if they are holding on and playing for the draw.
Iraq 1
Australia 1
2:55am
Alan Nicolea said | 2:55am | Report comment
CHANCE SOCCEROOS – Spiranovic with a clear header but it goes wide. Huge chance gone begging for the Socceroos from another corner!
Iraq 1
Australia 1
2:53am
Alan Nicolea said | 2:53am | Report comment
Cahill’s goal could be the biggest moment in Australia’s qualifying campaign! Boy didn’t Australia need that. Now going for the winner
Iraq 1
Australia 1
2:52am
Alan Nicolea said | 2:52am | Report comment
GOAL AUSTRALIA – Oar has come on now for the Socceroos and replaces Kruse. Cahill with a monster header from the corner and its 1 all!!!!
Iraq 1
Australia 1
2:52am
Marc said | 2:52am | Report comment
Yes !!!!!
2:52am
DJW said | 2:52am | Report comment
CAHILLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLL
2:50am
Alan Nicolea said | 2:50am | Report comment
It was a great goal from Iraq. Great build up play and the Socceroos were torn apart. They need to respond very soon. The World Cup spot is at stake!
Iraq 1
Australia 0
2:49am
Alan Nicolea said | 2:49am | Report comment
76′ – Australia pressing forward now but that will present Iraq with great opportunities to counter attack ala Jordan. Socceroos need to score soon here just to get some belief back in the system.
2:48am
Alan Nicolea said | 2:48am | Report comment
74′ – Well the Socceroos have payed for failing to take their chances yet again. Iraq with their first real chance of the match convert thanks to a nice clinical low finish. Thompson comes on now for the Socceroos
Iraq 1
Australia 0
2:47am
Johnno said | 2:47am | Report comment
Sack Holger.
2:46am
Alan Nicolea said | 2:46am | Report comment
GOAL IRAQ!!! – Australia in big trouble now!
Iraq 1
Australia 0
2:47am
Stevo said | 2:47am | Report comment
Disaster in Doha!
2:49am
Marc said | 2:49am | Report comment
17 minutes to get 1, maybe even 2 back … but where are the goals going to come from. The Socceroos look low on confidence.
2:41am
Alan Nicolea said | 2:41am | Report comment
68′ – Very poor cross from McKay who had space and time to do a lot better. Socceroos need to make the most of the space that the Iraq defence is presenting them with.
Iraq 0
Australia 0
2:40am
Marc said | 2:40am | Report comment
How many times has Robbie Kruse been fouled tonite?
2:43am
DJW said | 2:43am | Report comment
Alot!
2:39am
Marc said | 2:39am | Report comment
Loving the call to prayer in the background
2:39am
Alan Nicolea said | 2:39am | Report comment
66′ – Both teams still struggling to retain possession. Distribution of the football is poor from both sides although australia are dangerous when they string passes together more so than Iraq
Iraq 0
Australia 0
2:37am
Alan Nicolea said | 2:37am | Report comment
64′ – Spiranovic’s header goes well wide and Iraq get the goalkick. Agree that Bresciano may be the vital cog australia needs to break through
Iraq 0
Australia 0
2:35am
Alan Nicolea said | 2:35am | Report comment
62′ – Iraq trying to press now and win the freekick as a result. Iraq though are putting in too many aimless crosses and Australia are handling them well. Socceroos though back on the attack
Iraq 0
Australia 0
2:35am
DJW said | 2:35am | Report comment
Time for Bresciano!
2:33am
Alan Nicolea said | 2:33am | Report comment
60′ – Australia have had two great opportunities in the second half and may pay a heavy price for those lost chances. Australia though do look a lot more dangerous going forward
Iraq 0
Australia 0
2:30am
Alan Nicolea said | 2:30am | Report comment
57′ – Australia have upped the tempo here but Iraq now go on the counter attack and Neill is lucky to stay on here as he fouls the Iraqi striker as the last man. It was a great long ball and Neill just pulls the striker’s shirt but Neil only gets a yellow card.
Iraq 0
Australia 0
2:28am
Alan Nicolea said | 2:28am | Report comment
CHANCE SOCCEROOS – Butchered chance for Australia has Kruse shoots wide infront of goal. Bad miss and he failed to make the most of a great low cross. Iraq survive big time!
Iraq 0
Australia 0
2:29am
Stevo said | 2:29am | Report comment
Good buildup. Something to get excited about.
2:27am
Alan Nicolea said | 2:27am | Report comment
CHANCE SOCCEROOS – Jedinak with a low drive and he probably should have hit the target. He was played in well by Cahill and that’s another chance gone begging for Australia.
Iraq 0
Australia 0
2:26am
Alan Nicolea said | 2:26am | Report comment
53′ – Good build up yet again from Iraq and all of a sudden they are starting to look dangerous as the Socceroos deal with a cross. Iraq though are finding their groove
Iraq 0
Australia 0
2:26am
Todd said | 2:26am | Report comment
Am I missing something with Valeri? The guy is a dime a dozen footballer. There are 10 just like him in the A-league. He doesn’t do anything that resembles an international footballer.
2:24am
Alan Nicolea said | 2:24am | Report comment
51′ – Iraq have just had the better of possession over the past few minutes as Australia just struggle to play out of their own half. Iraq now win the freekick and can build from the back
Iraq 0
Australia 0
2:22am
Alan Nicolea said | 2:22am | Report comment
49′ – Kruse goes on the attack after the Socceroos disrupted a promising Iraqi attack. Kruse though is penalised for a foul and Iraq can build from the back. Iraq on the attack now but Wilkshere does just enough to disrupt the attack in the penalty area
Iraq 0
Australia 0
2:20am
Alan Nicolea said | 2:20am | Report comment
47′ – Iraq win the freekick as Australia cross into the area. Iraq off the hook but the Socceroos do have their measure.
Iraq 0
Australia 0
2:19am
Alan Nicolea said | 2:19am | Report comment
46′ – Australia on the attack out wide but Holman is shut down well. Socceroos though win the throw and now win the corner thanks to Wilkshere
Iraq 0
Australia 0
2:18am
Alan Nicolea said | 2:18am | Report comment
Big second half coming up for the Socceroos. Can they fire and turn dominance into goals?
SECOND HALF KICKOFF – Australia with possession
Iraq 0
Australia 0
2:15am
Todd said | 2:15am | Report comment
If we can’t win this, we don’t deserve to be in Brazil. Iraq are clearly rubbish, unfortunately, so are we. Bresciano has to come on for Valeri, and Archie’s pace will be useful for the last 20 minutes.
2:06am
Alan Nicolea said | 2:06am | Report comment
Well Australia have had the better of play against Iraq and look the more likely to score a goal and win this important contest. Cahill has been productive upfront, unleashing a volley in the first half that forced a fine save from the Iraq goalkeeper. Brosque and Holman also had chances later on but Iraq are holding on here. If they Socceroos can just maintain their form and keep pressing, the goal, and the three points will come.
Iraq 0
Australia 0
2:04am
Jack said | 2:04am | Report comment
Holger doesn’t just resist young players who are getting game time he can’t stand them better to be old and not in a match day squad …..
2:04am
Alan Nicolea said | 2:04am | Report comment
HALFTIME:
Iraq 0
Australia 0
2:00am
Alan Nicolea said | 2:00am | Report comment
Jordan have pulled a goal back so that game is set to go down to the wire. Still nil all here but the Socceroos continue to control possession well against an Iraq side that struggles to retain the football
Iraq 0
Australia 0
2:03am
Marc said | 2:03am | Report comment
Full-time in Muscat; Oman 2 – Jordan 1
2:00am
justafan said | 2:00am | Report comment
Valeri is playing because he has played half an hour all season according to Simon Hill.
1:57am
Alan Nicolea said | 1:57am | Report comment
Australia have had the better of play against Iraq and are looking the more likely to score at the moment. Socceroos need to conver their chances though. Cahill is looking dangerous as we approach halftime
Iraq 0
Australia 0
1:57am
Jack said | 1:57am | Report comment
Why is Valeri playing ?
1:55am
Marc said | 1:55am | Report comment
Geez Robbie Kruseis in the wars … 3rd time at least that he’s been hacked down.
1:50am
justafan said | 1:50am | Report comment
omamn 2 jordan 0 in the other game
1:50am
Marc said | 1:50am | Report comment
Nearing fulltime in Muscat; Oman 2 – Jordan 0. Means that right now we are equal bottom of Group B, but with a win here could end up in 2nd place at full time
1:58am
Stevo said | 1:58am | Report comment
Stephen Bradbury would be pleased with that!
1:48am
Alan Nicolea said | 1:48am | Report comment
32′ – Iraq on the attack now as they retain possession in Australia’s half. Iraq retaining possession well here as they go all the way back to the keeper. Socceroos though regain possession as Schwarzer clears.
1:47am
Jack said | 1:47am | Report comment
Long balls creepy in by oldie
1:47am
Alan Nicolea said | 1:47am | Report comment
31′ – Iraq build from the back after winning a freekick but they now concede the throw shortly after.
Iraq 0
Australia 0
1:46am
Alan Nicolea said | 1:46am | Report comment
30′ – Cahill with another shot but it goes over the bar but the game has come to life after a below par opening 20 minutes
Iraq 0
Australia 0
1:45am
Alan Nicolea said | 1:45am | Report comment
Iraq’s freekick was on target but Schwarzer is very safe and gets the ball low with little fuss. Socceroos off the hook
Iraq 0
Australia 0
1:44am
Alan Nicolea said | 1:44am | Report comment
Iraq go on the counter attack and Neil produces a bad tackle and halts the attack. He should be carded for that but he gets away with it. Iraq win a freekick in a dangerous area….
Iraq 0
Australia 0
1:45am
Marc said | 1:45am | Report comment
Holman?
1:43am
Alan Nicolea said | 1:43am | Report comment
CHANCE SOCCEROOS – Cahill with a shot and its a fine volley but he is denied by a great save. Socceroos edging closer to a goal. Finally some action!
Iraq 0
Australia 0
1:41am
Alan Nicolea said | 1:41am | Report comment
Neither keeper has been forced to make a save thus far providing a key indicater as to how hard it is for both teams to create chances when in possession
Iraq 0
Australia 0
1:39am
Alan Nicolea said | 1:39am | Report comment
Socceroos stringing passes together nicely and are controlling Iraq at the moment. Final pass lacking though as Iraq build from the back
Iraq 0
Australia 0
1:38am
Alan Nicolea said | 1:38am | Report comment
Australia attacking well here through Brosque. Cahill in possession now. Socceroos producing a lot of crosses but Iraq clear and rebuild from the back
Iraq 0
Australia 0
1:38am
Dilly said | 1:38am | Report comment
thanks lads for the live updates. Helps guys like me who dont have fox
1:36am
Alan Nicolea said | 1:36am | Report comment
19′ – Australia currently controlling possession here. Sorry for the lack of coverage. Bad connection from my end. Apologies guys.
Iraq 0
Australia 0
1:29am
Alan Nicolea said | 1:29am | Report comment
7′ – Still nil all guys. Brosque had a nice chance with a header and Neill produced a great tackle just when Iraq where nearly through on goal. Pretty even at the moment.
Iraq 0
Australia 0
1:22am
Michael said | 1:22am | Report comment
Australia to lose 1-0? Oh ye of little faith.. Socceroos to play well and at least draw.. though I would prefer if Bresciano was on the pitch
1:17am
TC said | 1:17am | Report comment
What a contrast between the two teams.
Iraq has the legendary Zico, and we’re stuck with Mr non-entity.
1:15am
Alan Nicolea said | 1:15am | Report comment
KICKOFF – Iraq with possession
Iraq 0
Socceroos 0
1:10am
Alan Nicolea said | 1:10am | Report comment
Hardly anyone at the stadium but that’s understandable given that its a neutral venue.
1:16am
TC said | 1:16am | Report comment
It’s a glimpse of what we can expect in 2022.
Not too sure about the sound system. The Australian anthem sounded like it was a 45 played on 33.
1:10am
Alan Nicolea said | 1:10am | Report comment
National Anthems being played now….
Iraq 0
Socceroos 0
1:08am
Dasilva said | 1:08am | Report comment
Robbie slater going about not selecting Aussie players in the Middle East. Absolute garbage. I admit they may be an argument about being in those leagues and having that count against you (which is already the current policy as Holger criticised playing there) but to completely rule them out is just stupid. How many Jordan and Iraq players are playing outside the Middle East? Yet those players still defeat us in the past. Really the socceroos are stronger with bresciano in the squad
1:02am
John Attacker said | 1:02am | Report comment
Australia should win but Iraq are strong AS.
12:52am
Marc said | 12:52am | Report comment
A packed stadium in Muscat too.
12:51am
Marc said | 12:51am | Report comment
Half-time in the other Group B game in Muscat, Oman; Oman 0 Jordan 0.
12:48am
TC said | 12:48am | Report comment
No huge changes in the starting XI.
12:44am
Alan Nicolea said | 12:44am | Report comment
Good morning or good evening to all our followers (depending on where you are following this blog) and welcome to this live blog covering the crucial world cup qualifer between Iraq and Australia. Both teams are tied for third position in World Cup qualifying and need a win to boost chances of securing a top two birth that ensures automatic qualifcation for the World Cup. Can the Socceroos finally turn the corner tonight after a poor showing against Jordan or will Iraq add a nail to the Socceroos coffin tonight? Have your say on the match as it happens.
It is also currently nil all between Jordan and Oman late in the first half.
12:36am
Alan Nicolea said | 12:36am | Report comment
This is the official Socceroos starting 11 v Iraq: Schwarzer; McKay, Spiranovic, Neill, Wilkshire; Holman, Valeri, Jedinak, Kruse; Brosque, Cahill.