Like they have for the entire World Cup qualification campaign, the Socceroos had to play the most nervous of waiting games.
Just seven minutes and some brave – and ultimately successful – substitutions from Holger Osieck separated Australia from possible disaster at the hands of Iraq.
The Socceroos needed only a win to secure passage to Brazil.
For 83 of the 90 minutes, Iraq threatened to be the wrecking ball to Australia’s World Cup hopes.
Instead, the combination of a Mark Bresciano cross, a Josh Kennedy header, and the cold steel of Osieck got the Socceroos through.
Accused of not taking enough risks throughout the World Cup campaign, Osieck took a doozy with 13 minutes left.
Taking off Tim Cahill – whose international career has been built on the vital goal – for Kennedy was certainly the most extreme move Osieck has made in the 21-month qualification bid.
In pulling off a superstar, he pulled off a masterstroke.
Kennedy rose unchallenged to head home a goal which provided the much-needed circuit-breaker for a Socceroos team which was lacking the killer touch in front of goal for most of the match.
Not helped by a pitch uneven in surface and soaked pre-match and during by persistent rain, the Socceroos’ feet so often stuck where they shouldn’t, their passes went a yard further than intended, and their work in the front-third was untidy.
While the first 15 minutes suggested the Socceroos were switched on and sharp, Iraq’s stoic defence and the occasional feigned injury blunted and frustrated the home side.
Brett Holman couldn’t get warm, and it was his withdrawal for 20-year-old Tom Rogic on the hour – another brave move by Osieck – which gave the Socceroos the semblance of a spark.
He had three shots at goal in three minutes to bring the game to life as the rain teemed down.
Then, more frustration.
Robbie Kruse’s 65th minute volley was ruled out because of an earlier foul by Sasa Ognenovski.
But it is dangerous to rule out a team which so often thrives with backs-to-the-wall.
Kennedy’s goal sparked a human pile-up at the corner flag which gave the night its John Aloisi 2005 shirt-off, running down the sideline moment.
Osieck can take a bow.
So too can the Socceroos. Brazil beckons.
Berash
Guest
Should, as said, celebrate until next Monday. However, comments have already started. People was guessing whether this is the most subtle arrangement made by Holger ever since he started the job. This is because that we never have seen one. People were thinking that he was so cunning that he deliberately arranged Kennedy to come late when the Iraqis were tired, knowing that they are weak aerially, like losing two goals to Cahill and Thompson late in the 80th and 84th minutes respectively in their home soil. Seemed he was very clever. However, reports already said today that he had just made a decision intuitively, no elaborated game plan in advance. This is not astonishing because the scene showed yesterday. When the brave and technical Iraqis were sharing the control, if not in upper hand, in the middle, and the outstanding Kruse (in the Jordan match) was well marked, bring Kennedy in should be imminent at the hour mark. This is especially true when the rain had gone heavy in the 2nd half. There shouldn't be any difficult arrangement; just put Kennedy to partner with Cahill as usual. Likely, and simply, just subbed Kennedy in firstly to replace Kruse, or Holman. However, the first change was Rogic, then Archie. There was absolutely no problem on these changes. However, if thinking that Holger had a debute subtle arrangement, then, it is wrong, despite making a late sub of Kennedy was still correct. He has said he just exercised his intuition. Luckily, a score was made in the last 13 minutes. No one knows whether that was lucky. But one thing for sure, earlier change to aerial attack on a wet day at the hour mark would be a better decision by a better coach. Now that there is a headache for the FFA; should Holger be replaced? Holger's up and down sides have been discussed so intensely that there shouldn't be a repetition. However, three important tournaments are coming: East Asia Cup, World Cup and Asian Cup 2015. Will FFA want to add silverware in the East Asia Cup next month by using the very old squad? Or rejuvenation, planning for the Asian Cup 2 years later? Despite mediocre, Holger has been charging the socceroos for a long time to know then well. So, should FFA be patient and see if he will grow also?
AFL'S HEAD HONCHO
Guest
Only person in Australia today who isn't happy about last night is Andrew Demetriou