Harry Kewell ushered the Socceroos to the brink of the next stage of World Cup qualifying with one of his finest international performances in a hard-fought 1-0 win over Iraq at Suncorp Stadium last night.

On a night the Socceroos rode their luck – and for once stayed in the saddle – Kewell proved the difference.

His header from a Brett Emerton cross in the 47th minute gave his side victory in their Asian Group 1 clash.

Without a club since his acrimonious split with English Premier League heavyweight Liverpool, Kewell sent a telling reminder of what he is capable of, despite four years blighted by injury.

At the other end, goalkeeper Mark Schwarzer made two important saves – one in each half – to keep his side alive and in pole position to move to the next stage of Asian World Cup qualifying starting later this year.

Australia has seven points from their three matches and will probably need 10 with three matches remaining to finish top two in the group and advance.

They could secure the win they need as early as next Saturday against Iraq in Dubai.

A clearly demoralised Iraq, who had their chances to win last night’s game but failed to take them, must regroup within a week knowing they have just one point from three matches and may already be out of contention.

While the Socceroos now have not conceded a goal in five matches under coach Pim Verbeek, their defence creaked and groaned early on as Iraq created havoc and three gilt-edged first-half chances they failed to take.

Instead, up bobbed Kewell two minutes after halftime to avenge the Socceroos’ 3-1 hammering at last year’s Asian Cup.

Verbeek admitted his men had had luck go their way, but they leave for the Middle East today top of their group and with plenty of improvement to make.

"I am very happy with my three points but not with the performance. We were lucky at the start of the game and that was the story of the game," Verbeek said.

"I am sure we can play much, much better. The Iraqis did a good job."

Iraq had the better of the opening 45 minutes but missed their chances.

Midfielder Emad Mohammed hit the crossbar after just four minutes, then forced goalkeeper Schwarzer into a block with his legs from close range on 27 minutes.

Iraq’s star striker Younis Mahmoud had the best chance of the half – fluffing an open header and putting it wide when unmarked after 36 minutes.

Then Kewell made the Iraqis pay for their wastefulness when he arrived to meet Emerton’s cross from the right.

Share this article