A match that hanged in the balance all week due to the Iraqi FA being dissolved finally got the green light. Thankfully it did not disappoint and the Asian Champions pushed the Socceroos all the way.

Harry Kewell’s goal in the opening minutes of the second half was enough to see of the Iraqis. Kewell had several headers in the first half, but it was his first attempt in the second half that crashed into the back of Noor Sabri’s goal. Iraq’s best chance came when Emad Mahmmoud hit the crossbar from the edge of the box in the third minute.  

If it was not for the heroics of Schwarzer and the wastefulness of the Iraqis in front of goal, the match could have easily ended with an Iraq victory.

There were a few positives from the match, the Australian midfield trio of Grella, Culina and Bresciano worked well together. Also the resurgence of a fit again Harry Kewell was a sight for sore eyes, for all Socceroos supporters.

The Iraqis also showed that their Asian Championship was well deserved. Rarely is it seen that a team playing away from home attacks so strongly. The Iraqis displayed all the qualities of a nation and a team that has survived through war and oppressive conditions. They were strong, confident, willing to fight, proud, and most importantly never lost hope.

Younis Mahmoud, yet again put in a strong performance alongside Nashat Akram and Hawar Mulla Mohammad. The Iraqis will surely be asking for more of the same when the two countries meet again. Iraq certainly had their best match since the Asian Cup final.  

The return leg will be played Sunday morning (AEST). Australia will be looking not lose the game in order to make certain of their passage into the next round. While Iraq must win in order to live to fight another day. The conditions will be a world apart from Brisbane, with Qatar currently in a heat wave.

If the return match is anything like Sunday’s, we are in for an entertaining evening and plenty of nail biting.

In the groups’ other match Qatar and China played out a goalless draw. The match was a complete contrast to the Australia-Iraq game, as both teams set themselves defensively to ensure they did not lose. Qatar came closest to snatching victory in the 88^th minute, but the ball struck the crossbar and bounced out.