Kewell goal sinks Iraq

BRISBANE (Reuters) - Harry Kewell scored just after halftime to give Australia a 1-0 win over Iraq in their 2010 World Cup qualifier on Sunday.

The former Liverpool player was in outstanding form and was at the heart of most of the Australians' goal-scoring chances until being replaced with 13 minutes to go.

Both sides missed a string of opportunities in the first half, but Kewell made no mistake two minutes into the second when he headed a pinpoint Brett Emerton cross past Iraqi goalkeeper Noor Sabri.

Australia dominated possession but had to withstand a storming finish from Iraq, who had three clear chances in the closing minutes.

The win moved Australia to seven points in their qualifying group. Second-placed Qatar (three points) play third-placed China (two points) on Monday.

Iraq, the Asia Cup champions, remain rooted to the bottom of the table on one point with their dream of qualifying for South Africa in 2010 all but over.

Australia manager Pim Verbeek said in the match lead-up he expected the Iraqis to stack their defense and play for a draw, but the visitors soon showed they were after all three points.

Midfielder Emad Mohammed and striker Younis Mahmoud created havoc throughout the game with their pace and skill on the ball often troubling inexperienced Australian defenders Michael Beauchamp and Jade North.

The visitors could have taken the lead as early as the fourth minute when a well-taken corner saw Australian keeper Mark Schwarzer punch the ball straight to Emad, whose volley from 20 meters crashed into the crossbar.

The Sorceries gradually settled as the game wore on and Kewell began to take control.

JUST WIDE

Mark Brescia no went close twice and Scott McDonald and Kewell both sent headers just wide though with Australia pushing forward they became increasingly vulnerable to the counter-attacking of Emad and Younis, both of whom should have scored in the first half.

The Iraqis were made to pay when Kewell rose above defender Sad Atria to bury the ball in the back of the net for his 10th goal in 31 outings for Australia.

Verbeek said: "I'm very happy with the three points, but not with the performance. We started quite lucky, with the ball hitting the crossbar and I think that's the story of the game - we gave too many chances away, we were lucky. Overall I'm sure we can play much better."

Iraq manager Adman Hamada refused to concede their World Cup campaign was finished. "There's still a chance for the Iraqi team," he said, adding that the troubled build-up to the match had affected the players.

"We're always under pressure - we always play under pressure," he said. "We're the only team in the world that plays outside their own country.