A dominant Caltex Socceroos saw off Iraq 2-0 in their opening group game of the final phase of World Cup qualification in the WA capital on Thursday night.
QPR midfielder Massimo Luongo, on the left of a front three, slotted home the decisive opener just before the hour mark courtesy of a Tomi Juric assist.
And seven minutes later Juric of FC Luzern got his reward for a strong display by poking home a second.
On a cool, clear Thursday night on a perfect pitch in front of 18,923 fans at Perth’s Rectangular Stadium, the pattern of the game was set very early.
Caltex Socceroos wear down Iraq
Australia on the front foot, pressing across the park and creating chances galore. Iraq simply trying to hold on and contain the rampant Australians and take their chances when they arose.
Australia pummelled Iraq in the opening 35 minutes.
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In fact, Australia could’ve been one up inside the opening 10 seconds after Juric shot forced Mohammed Hameed into a stop before the rebound was headed back into his hands.
Juric and Bournemouth's Brad Smith had sighters on goal and a mazy run from Luongo required a last-ditch tackle in the box as the hosts completely dominated.
Iraq’s first real chance, however, was snuffed out brilliantly by centre half Mark Milligan who denied Ali Abbas with a block after the former Sydney FC favourite burst into the box.
Australia hit back with Smith’s pinpoint cross finding Leckie’s head. He craned his head to direct a looping effort onto the post and it spilt harmlessly wide.
The remainder of the first half saw the Australians continue to dominate possession and force Iraq back. But that elusive goal didn’t come.
In fact, Iraq may’ve stolen a lead had Ahmed Yaseen Gheni’s curling shot not fizzed a metre wide of Mat Ryan’s goal.
The Iraqis ended the half with some good possession sensing they’d weathered the Socceroo storm. But Australia were just warming up.
No changes at the break for Australia as they continued to press against a well-organised Iraqi rearguard. And soon the pressure finally told.
After Mooy smashed a cracking shot against the bar, and Juric missed a sitter, on 58 minutes the breakthrough came.
Juric was set free down the right, his low cross across the goal was guided home by the on-running Luongo.
Juric bullocked his way through minutes later but was unable to make it 2-0 but from the resulting corner, he poked home from in front after Milligan cleverly flicked the ball on.
With the result seemingly in the bag at 2-0, Australia turned the screws as the Iraqis were forced to come out of their shell.
The Socceroos cleverly kept the ball and forced the visitors to work even harder to get back into it. But they couldn’t find a way through and Australia earned three deserved points on the Road to Russia.
Next stop, Abu Dhabi and UAE.