The midfielder insists Australia have put the defeat to Iraq firmly behind them as they look to book their place in the fourth round of World Cup qualifying with a victory over Qatar on Saturday.

Pim Verbeek's side was edged out 1-0 by the Asian Cup champions in Dubai last weekend but know three points at Doha's Al Sadd Stadium could see them one step closer to the showpiece tournament in South Africa in 2010.

They top Group Two level on points with Qatar and will claim one of the two spots on offer if they defeat the hosts and Iraq fail to beat China in Tianjin.

However, defensive midfielder Vince Grella is suspended for the clash while defender Lucas Neill and forward Josh Kennedy are also absent due to family matters.

Holman, though, underlined the determined mood in the Australian camp to bounce back from last Saturday's setback

"We know what we have to do; we are not looking at other teams; we've still got everything in own hands and we know what we have to do against Qatar and that's get a good result," he said.

"We knew that it's going to be impossible to go through the qualifications unbeaten and you always have to think about these things."

"We are still in a great position and if we get a good result against Qatar, then hopefully we are through."

Qatar have improved markedly since February's disappointing 3-0 defeat in Melbourne culminating with an impressive 1-0 victory in China last weekend, a result that coach Jorge Fossati believes now makes his side serious contenders to progress.

"The victory in China has done a lot more than improving our position in the group, it has earned us respect," said the Uruguayan.

"We respect Australia as a very strong team but they should know we have come a long way since that loss in the opening match."

"But Australia, Iraq and Qatar still have an equal chance of qualifying."

China and Iraq meet at Tianjin Olympic Sports Centre Stadium with both sides knowing only victory will be enough to keep alive their qualification hopes.

The hosts will be without defenders Li Weifeng and Sun Jihai, who are both suspended after the former picked up two yellow cards while the latter was sent off from the bench for remonstrating with the referee during the loss to the Qatar.

Midfielder Liu Jian is will also miss out after collecting two previous bookings and coach Ratomir Djukovic has hinted China will adopt a cautious approach in a bid to come away with three points.

"We will pay the price if we are too attack-minded against a strong team," said the Serbian.

"They are now in good form after beating Australia and we have to be practical."

"We have to defend well and look for good chances on the counter-attack."

Iraq coach Adnan Hamad, meanwhile, believes his side is up to the task of securing the three points they need to maintain their World Cup dream.

"A victory over China will increase our qualification chances and we are ready to face their challenge," he said.

"It is our chance to display the talent that made us Asian champions."