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Australia have kicked off their next phase of qualification for the 2018 World Cup with a 2-0 win against Iraq in Perth.
It was by no means a cakewalk, but the result is all that matters in a long campaign.
Iraq were dutifully willing and determined to test their fancied hosts, but Australia took three points courtesy of close-range finishes from Massimo Luongo and Tomi Juric in the second half.
It was certainly an entertaining game – something fans should be expecting a fair few of in this group.
At fulltime in Perth, it’s Australia who are off to a good start towards their mission at Russia 2018.
Final score:
Australia 2
Iraq 0
Qualification for the 2018 World Cup resumes in the west, as Perth plays host for the first match of the fourth round of AFC qualification, where the Socceroos meet Iraq. Join The Roar for live scores and commentary from 8:15pm (AEST).
A long stretch awaits for Australia to make a fourth successive World Cup, with ten matches in more than 12 months.
But the first step is against Iraq, and from the home comforts of Perth, it represents a theoretically simple task for Australia.
After a disappointing winter friendly campaign that saw losses against England and Greece, Ange Postecoglou’s mission will be to oversee a comfortable campaign ahead of next year’s Confederations Cup. To this end, the temptation will be to assert Australia’s continental dominance from the outset. A true surface at Perth Oval can only help in this regard.
Two upfront is the likely formation, with the now home-based Tim Cahill to play ahead of the in-form Tom Rogic. Robbie Kruse and Mathew Leckie will be employed in slightly wider roles in order to supplement to Cahill’s aerial prowess. .
The work of midfield will be crucial, with Aaron Mooy set to partner captain Mile Jedinak and Mark Milligan in controlling the pace of the contest.
Overall, the team will be employed to score goals, as is Postecoglou’s wont.
For Iraq, a tough opening trip to Perth against the reigning Asian champions is followed by a ‘home’ clash against Saudi Arabia in Malaysia next week. In two games where the Lions of Mesopotamia are rank outsiders, points are critical.
Iraq have never been an easy opponent for the Socceroos. Their most glorious match came during the group stage of their victorious 2007 Asian Cup campaign, where the fairytale journey began with a 3-1 triumph over a star-studded Australian line-up.
Coach Radhi Shenaishil’s team can perform for 90 minutes, and that alone will intrigue audiences if Australia are kept quiet early on.
Iraq’s chief goal threat comes from striker Alaa Abdul-Zahra, but service to the frontline is dependant on how much Saad Abdul-Amir is allowed to roam in midfield.
To counteract Australia’s likely dominance in possession, Iraq may employ a five-man midfield, with the American-born Justin Meram to base behind Abdul-Zahra in order to push Australia back. Former Sydney FC and Newcastle Jets midfielder Ali Abbas should be part of the midfield, where he may be required to perform a more defensive role.
At the back, the defensive line is lead by Ali Adnan, who has now earned semi-regular status at Serie A club Udinese, while Samal Saeed, Ahmad Ibrahim and Dhurgam Ismail form an experienced formation.
Iraq’s best hopes of an upset lie with how well they can nullify Australia’s midfield, and to that end, a spoiling game may be emphasised by Shenaishil.
Prediction
It won’t be the easiest 90 minutes, but expect Australia to begin their campaign with three points.
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