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Late equaliser from Iraq means another draw for Socceroos

Aaron Mooy is leading the way for Australian footballers. (AAP Image/Dan Himbrechts)
Editor
23rd March, 2017
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Australia have notched up their fourth draw in a row after conceding late in the second half against Iraq, taking a 1-1 draw in their World Cup qualifying campaign.

Despite being dominated in the opening half hour, the Socceroos hit the scoreboard first in the 39th minute thanks to a superb finish from Matthew Leckie off the header.

On the back of three consecutive corners, Leckie finished off the Aaron Mooy cross with a pin-point deflection off the melon to find the back of the net and take the bulk of momentum into the halftime break.

Iraq shot out of the gates early in the game as Australia struggled to get into the contest in wet and muggy conditions, however, their inability to execute in front of goal cost Iraq on a number of occasions.

Australia again looked to take control coming out in the second stanza, but again it was Iraq who looked the stronger side up front, pressing down the edges and creating more opportunities in front of goal.

As the game wore on, it turned into a scrappy effort across the park as both sides put ball retention aside in favour of attack.

Iraq’s biggest chance to strike back came in the 60th minute off the back of a corner.

The header came in low and fast towards the right post, but an incredible reflex save off the fingertips from keeper Mitch Langerak kept the back of the net undisturbed.

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It would only be a matter of time for Iraq though as the game continued to ebb and flow from end to end.

A ripper cross from Ali Adnan, piercing the gap between keeper and defence, found the right boot of Ahmed Yaseen in the 76th minute to pile the pressure right back on the Australians with an equaliser.

It was a frantic final 15 minutes but neither side was able to break the deadlock in an overall grinding affair that will no doubt frustrate Australian coach Ange Postecoglou.

Australia now briefly move up into second place in Group B of the Asian qualifying division, on equal points with Japan and one point ahead of Saudi Arabia, who play each other today.

The Socceroos remain the only undefeated team in the group, yet still have just two wins from six games as they continue their run of draws.

For Iraq, their campaign is all but over, sitting in second last on just four points with a single win to their name and four losses.

Australia will play the UAE on Tuesday in a key clash to secure an all-important top two finish.

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