World Cup qualifier: Australia face Iraqi challenge in Doha

Australia enter their crucial match FIFA 2014 World Cup Asian qualifier with hopes of surprising a resurgent Iraqi at the Grand Hamad Stadium, Al Arabi Sports Club here this evening. Their preparations were far from ideal, losing 2-1 to Jordan last month. They have two points from three games in the final round of Asian qualifying. A win against the Iraqis would brighten their prospects. With just two points, the Aussies are placed third in Group B, eight points behind leaders Japan who have 10 points. Jordan are second with four while Iraq and Oman both have two points each. Australia and Iraq have the same goal difference with both scoring two and conceding three goals. When the two teams last played, Harry Kewell scored with two minutes left of extra time to knock the reigning champions out of the 2011 Asian Cup in Doha. Coach Holger Osieck successfully utilised a number of veterans during that tournament including Kewell, goalkeeper Mark Schwarzer, defender Lucas Neill and midfielders Brett Emerton and Tim Cahill. Iraq on the other hand have a problems of converting their chances into goals. They missed a number of chances 1-1 draws away to Jordan and at home to Oman. A refurbished and a younger team failed to capitalise on their chances of escaping with a draw in a 1-0 away loss to Asian champions Japan last month. The 2007 Asian champions are now back in Qatar from Sweden, where they suffered a 6-0 drubbing at the hands of World Cup hosts Brazil. Iraq’s Brazilian coach Zico is anticiapted to make for the match this evening. (QNA)