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.
Midfielder
Guest
Agree on McKay ... I would play him as a CM .... It was a good match ... hope all the squad is fit for the next game..
JVGO
Guest
Really enjoyed the game (as generally not a real soccer lover). The Socceroos effort and endeavour was exciting and at times breathtaking but if Kewell hadn't scored and sealed the deserved Australian win this would have been one of the most absurd fruitless and frustrating 2 hours of sport i have ever witnessed. Australia could have won 6-0 or lost 1-0, beautiful or completely ridiculous, depends which way you look at it I guess.
Betty B
Guest
great for Harry, great for A League. and to think I nearly piked out at 90 minutes - it was worth the sit up just to enjoy that goal. Let's hope they put a few more in next match.
Chris
Guest
I'd heard of the title but never knew it had been held by Australia before. Granted we only lasted four days. It's the kind of thing that FIFA really could make a bigger deal of. The genius of it is that it gives small nations a chance to dream.
Ando
Guest
Matt McKay surely must be in the starting lineup now, preferably on the left! Would also be interested in seeing Kilkenny get a start, perhaps in place of Valeri? Whilst he didn't show much against Iraq, when he was introduced against Bahrain he took control with great passing, vision and... control!
Chuq
Roar Pro
Trivia! (1) It's now highly likely that Schwarzer will reach 88 caps this Asian Cup, surpassing Alex Tobin to become the most capped Socceroo. (2) Japan is the current Unofficial World Football Champion... meaning it may get handed on at some stage during the last few AC matches. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unofficial_Football_World_Championships
BrisbaneBhoy
Guest
"But the true lovers of this beautiful game certainly did not miss this game…" Unless of course they (true lovers of this beautiful game) were sleeping, watching a different match, or doing something completely different, etc, etc, then yes, true lovers of this beautiful game would have certainly watched it :)
Hutr
Roar Rookie
Great Game! I actually watched it in Arabic which was an interesting experience. Matt McKay was sensational. If that doesn't secure his spot in the starting line up I don't know what ever will.
Professor Rosseforp
Guest
Fussball ist unser Leben, I think it was you who commented on Harry's heading ability in an earlier post -- well you were correct, it was lethal in this context and has put Australia through. Uzbekistan is going to be a very tough team to beat from the little I have seen. Whoever wins this match will win the tournament.
Jon
Guest
Parents and coaches should encourage young players to rewatch this game as a training tool. There are so many lessons to be learnt - fitness, passing, structure, communication, and most importantly, patience. You do not need to score 100 points over an opposition for it to be great entertainment. PS. A-League referees should also study this game - there is a time and place to blow the whistle and the lack of it in this game helped make it memorable.
Walt
Guest
Kilkenny is too good for to sit on the bench for most of the game. He needs to find his spot soon in that team.
Roger
Guest
Loved the game! Great to see positive attacking football against a quality team. Loved the passing, and the build ups in midfield. Probably a bit unlucky to not have taken the game in 90 minutes, but all good in the end thanks to Harry! And yes, McKay was sensational through the whole game. He's a quality player.
Roarchild
Roar Guru
Phew .... Great game.
stip
Guest
WHAT a game!! Thank God we finished them before penalties... Matt McKay what a legend!!! The whole team was great bring on the Uzies...Man I love this game what a pity so many people missed it... But the true lovers of this beautiful game certainly did not miss this game...
Hk47
Guest
Holger has Postecoglou, to thank for that victory. Without his extreme endurance training, McKay wouldn't have ran out the game as well. -- Comment left via The Roar's iPhone app. Download The Roar's iPhone App in the App Store here.
Tony Tannous
Expert
Gripping game, loved it all, more of my thoughts on Twitter @TonyTannousTRBA
Fussball ist unser leben
Roar Guru
That game captured everything that I love about football. What other sporting contest can produce such tension for 118 minutes and then, in the blink of an eye, an inch perfect pass - by an A-League player - and "old man Kewell" is too fast - in mind and in body for his younger Iraqi opponents and .... GAME OVER! I wonder where Mike Cockerill was watching last night's game and would Cockerill have celebrated, or cringed, when H scored - thereby making Cockerill's unprovoked attack on Kewell's football ability & worth to the National Team during WC2010 look even more foolish? H is, by far, the most gifted footballer I've ever seen in the Australian National Football Team and, one wonders about the "what ifs" had H been fully fit at WC2006 and been able to play more than 30 minutes at WC2010. You can tell H has a thing or two to prove to the non-believers back home and, whilst I was overjoyed for myself that he scored, I was even happier for him - when the ball hits the back of the net, whilst hundreds of millions are watching you around the world, all the hard work and painful injuries suddenly seem worth it. 180 more minutes, Harry ... remain focused.
Titus
Guest
What a game! Roos played great football and Iraq were a tough opponent. I think we deserved the win and am glad it didn't go to a lottery at the end. Agree Pete, Mckay did the A-league proud.
pete
Guest
Iraq was always going to be a tough match. I thought we played very well. Great to see McKay and Ognenovski have an impact Go the Roos!