Australia beats Iraq 1-0 with extra-time winner

Harry Kewell scored an extra-time winner to earn Australia a 1-0 victory over defending champion Iraq in the Asian Cup quarterfinals on Saturday and help banish the bitter memories of his side's exit four years ago.

With three minutes of extra time remaining, Kewell headed in a pinpoint cross by Matt McKay to earn Australia a semifinal against Uzbekistan.

Australia was a title favorite when it made its Asian Cup debut in 2007, but lost in a penalty shootout to Japan in the quarterfinals, having also been surprisingly beaten by Iraq in the group stage.

''I'm just very proud of the guys because we talked and focused on how we'd approach this tournament and so far things are going to plan,'' Australia captain Lucas Neill said.

''It wasn't so much about taking revenge or putting things right, it was about doing it for ourselves. We've put ourselves in a position where we can win the title. We've just knocked out the cup holders so the title's up for grabs and we want it.''

South Korea also needed extra time to overcome Iran 1-0 in Saturday's other quarterfinal, and remains on track to meet Australia in the final after they drew 1-1 in the group stage.

Kewell, who appears finally to have put his persistent injury problems behind him, scored his 15th goal for Australia in his 51st appearance.

''It was important to get the goal, didn't really want to go into a shootout,'' Kewell said. ''(It's a) massive relief. There are no easy games in Asia. We worked hard as a team and I was proud of every one of them.''

While Australia created the most goalscoring opportunities overall, Iraq had the best chance to win it in normal time but Emad Mohammed's shot dribbled just wide shortly after halftime.

''It was a very exciting match for both sides,'' Iraq coach Wolfgang Sidka said. ''It was up and down. We always tried to create chances, especially in extra time. We did everything and in the end, it was one cross and one header.

''We were disappointed, but the way we played was 100 percent OK.''

Iraq's supporters far outnumbered - and outsung - Australia's among a crowd of 7,889 at Al Sadd Stadium, but their team was unable to repeat the fairy tale run of 2007.

''There was a huge crowd of supporters shouting for us, so I think my players needed this,'' Sidka added. ''As the match went on, they played more and more from their hearts.''

At the final whistle, Australia coach Holger Osieck shook hands warmly with fellow German Sidka, who masterminded a creditable defense of the title Iraq won amid emotional scenes in 2007.

''We should have done our job in 90 minutes,'' Osieck said. ''Iraq came on strong in extra time, but we battled through and I'm pleased particularly that Harry Kewell was the one who scored the goal.''

In a tight first half, Osieck's plan of subduing Iraq playmaker Nashat Akram paid off, while Sidka's side restricted Australia to half-chances.

The game opened up after the break.

Mohammed missed what would turn out to be Iraq's best chance after he was played in by Younus Mahmood, and that scare appeared to spark Australia into life as first Kewell volleyed wide, then Mile Jedinak, scorer in the last two games, put a long-range effort too close to the 'keeper.

From a corner in the 65th, Tim Cahill headed back across goal, only for Sasa Ognenovski to nod into Kassid's arms from a few yards out. Five minutes later, Iraq defender Ali Erhaima headed onto the roof of his own net after Cahill won yet another header.

With nine minutes remaining, Kassid reacted quickly to tip over Brett Holman's deflected 25-yard shot, but Australia had to hang on for the final moments as Iraq, backed by increasingly vocal support, pushed for a late winner.

Cahill failed to make it into extra time, his hardworking shift ending in the 90th minute, but Australia continued to create the better chances and Ognenovski connected beautifully with an overhead kick, only for teammate Jedinak to accidentally head it over bar.

Kewell, though, had the final say, finding space in between two defenders to power home his header and finally lift the tension hovering over Australia.

Its first Asian Cup semifinal will be against Uzbekistan, which, like Australia, has won three matches and drawn one so far in Qatar.

''Uzbekistan is a good team and it will be another challenge,'' Osieck said. ''We have to recharge our batteries and it is going to be important for us to give the players medical treatment.

''The team showed great character in this game. They played football and showed big heart and, for a coach, that is delightful to watch.''

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Lineups:

Australia: Mark Schwarzer, Lucas Neill, David Carney (Neil Kilkenny, 109), Sasa Ognenovski, David Carney, Luke Wilkshire, Brett Holman (Nathan Burns, 101), Harry Kewell, Matt McKay, Carl Valeri, Mile Jedinak, Tim Cahill (Scott McDonald, 90).

Iraq: Mohammed Kassid, Basem Abbas, Ali Erhaima, Samal Saeed, Salam Shaker (Ahmed Ibrahim, 75), Qusay Muneer, Nashat Akram, Hawar Mohammed (Ala'a Abdulzehra, 85), Mahdi Kareem (Mustafa Kareem, 63), Younus Mahmood, Emad Mohammed.