The Futsalroos saw off a fast-finishing Iraq 5-3 in the AFC Championships in Uzbekistan overnight to set up a clash with Kyrgyzstan for the fifth and final AFC spot at the World Cup.
Australia will play tonight (Fri) in their do-or-die clash for the last spot at the World Cup in Colombia this October.
Against Iraq in the play-off game, Jarrod Basger put Australia up 1-0 after five minutes.
Iraq equalised in the 8th minute from a corner to make it 1-1.
On ten minutes Daniel Fogarty put the Futsalroos back in the lead via a corner and in the last minute of the first half star man Basger scored his second goal after some great lead up play by Greg Giovenali.
At halftime Australia were up 3-1 and in the box seat.
Halfway through the second half Iraq used their powerplay and went 5th man, putting extra pressure on the Australian defence.
And it worked, with Iraq hitting the post through their power-play attack.
But Wade Giovenali popped up to make it 4-1 as the Aussies hit back.
Daniel Fogarty added another goal two minutes later to put Australia up 5-1 and in total control.
The Iraqis didn't give up the fight and scored twice in the final few minutes, but it was too little too late.
Australia ended the victors 5-3 and are now one game from qualifying for the World Cup.
“The boys stepped up the intensity from previous games.
"Having watch Iraq’s previous games we stuck to our plans and executed well to achieve the desired result.
"We now look forward to tomorrow’s playoff match against Kyrgyzstan," said Futsalroos coach Rob Varela.
Images courtesy of Mark Seeto.