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Harry Kewell’s extra-time header sent the Socceroos into the Asian Cup semi-finals, sealing a 1-0 win in a thrilling clash with Iraq at the Al Sadd Stadium in Doha on Saturday.
Kewell struck in the 117th minute with the match looking certain to be decided on penalties after Australia were unable to convert their dominance against their gallant opponents.
Kewell nodded home a brilliant Matt McKay cross to secure a memorable victory and avenge Australia’s 3-1 loss to Iraq in the group stages of the 2007 tournament.
The Socceroos will now face Uzbekistan in Tuesday’s (Wednesday morning AEDT) semi-final at Khalifa Stadium for a spot in next weekend’s final.
The match remained goalless until Kewell’s winner, despite some good opportunities for both sides.
Australia’s best chances came just before halftime with McKay and Kewell wasting two golden opportunities.
Brisbane Roar midfielder McKay, playing at left wing in place of the suspended Brett Emerton, broke through on goal in the 42nd minute after a superb through ball from Brett Holman, but hit his shot straight at Iraqi goalkeeper Mohammed Kassid.
Kewell then squandered another chance a minute later, cleverly turning Ali Erhaima but looping his chipped effort well over the bar.
Iraq found it difficult to get a look in on goal, with Socceroos captain Lucas Neill imperious at the back, but they almost broke the deadlock 10 minutes into the second half.
Younus Mahmood played in striker Imad Mohammed but the striker fluffed his shot across the face of goal.
Australia continued to pressurise with Sasa Ognenovski coming close in the 65th minute with a close-range header and Holman forcing a good save out of Kassid with a scorching long-range shot in the 81st minute.
The Socceroos had to soak up some late pressure from the Iraqis, with Mark Schwarzer called into action several times as the matched headed for extra time.
Osieck introduced striker Scott McDonald just prior to extra-time in place of Tim Cahill, who looked to be hampered by a knee problem in the second half.
Ognenovski continue to threaten from set pieces and almost gave Australia the lead with a spectacular bicycle kick only to be denied by his own teammate Mile Jedinak, who headed the ball over the bar.
Australia had some nervous moments in the box, with referee Mohammed Abdulrahman turning down several penalty cries and Iraq wasting some good chances.
The fresh legs of Nathan Burns and Neil Kilkenny were injected and the Socceroos soaked up some up some more heavy pressure before Kewell struck to send the Australian camp into rapturous celebrations.
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