How far?

Harry Kewell fit and playing well for the Australian national team. It's hardly been more than a myth throughout his career, something you could tell your grandkids you once saw and they wouldn't believe. But right now, after the all the ups and downs, the World Cup injuries and red cards, Harry is once again the main man.

And isn't it sweet.

‘H' has been just about Australia's most impressive performer thus far, perhaps shaded only by Brett Holman. He's clearly relishing a new role as the focal point in attack, somehow extracting the last reserves of energy from his injury-riddled body to storm into the box and guide home the quarter-final match-winner.

As for Holman, well, his stocks in the Green and Gold continue their meteoric ascent into key-player territory. It's the midfielder's knack of finding space between the opposition's midfield and defence which has been carving out the majority of Australia's openings in front of goal, just as it did repeatedly on Saturday night. If the ‘Roos are to follow on from their eventual edging of Iraq Holman will need to be at his transition-linking best.

The delayed victory was built on the team's strongest all-round outing this Asian Cup, despite the narrow scoreline and testing of fans mental wellbeing. It was certainly the most attack oriented display we've seen (other than the India anomaly). Once again, though, they just couldn't put the ball into the back of the net, whether it was through poor finishing or Mile Jedinak's desperate clearances. The growing trend will need rectifying come semi-finals and, possibly, the final.

In addition to Kewell and Holman the efforts of Matt McKay did not go unnoticed. Save for a couple of unsure touches he was very good out on an unfavourable wing position. One of Australia's best, even. A fantastic response it was from an A-League player granted the opportunity to showcase the domestic competition's worth. A spot alongside Jedinak in midfield to facilitate for Brett Emerton's return would be well deserved.

Lucas Neill and Sasa Ognenovski were also commendable in defence, managing to limit the influence of the dangerous Younis Mahmoud. It was only when the match pushed into extra-time that Iraq began to open up the Socceroos with any regularity as the side began to tire. However, Holger Osieck was ultimately vindicated in his decision to delay substitutions.

Now, as Australia makes it biggest stride into Asian football, a semi-final berth against Uzbekistan awaits. You can count on the Uzbeks offering greater competition than Iraq but, if this team was good enough to at least match Korea Republic, victory is well within reach. What a way to kick-off Australia day celebrations we can look forward to!