SUMMARY

On a cold, wet day in the Iranian capital, Iraq had a couple of excellent chances to open the scoring in the first 20 minutes as they settled better than the Australians, who were playing a new formation. 

Australia hit back, when Mathew Leckie opened the scoring with a 39th minute header from Aaron Mooy's corner to earn Australia a half-time lead.

The excellent Mitch Langerak kept the Aussies in the game after the break until an equaliser with 15 minutes left set up a grandstand finish as both sides pushed for the much-needed win. 

Iraq levelled when Ali Adnan's cross found substitute Ahmed Yasin at the back post to convert, with Langerak unable to intercept the pass.

Australia was lucky to escape with a draw, with Milos Degenek fortunate not to have a penalty awarded against him for a handball in the 75th minute.

Mooy had a good chance to double Australia's lead on 53 minutes when he scuffed a shot from Robbie Kruse's pass.

The result leaves Australia on 10 points after six games, moving ahead of Japan temporarily into second spot.

Saudi Arabia's 3-0 win away to Thailand means the Green Falcons extend their lead atop the group to three points.

GOALS

0-1  Australia Matt Leckie 40’

Aaron Mooy’s in-swinging corner found an unmarked Leckie who powered home his header just inside the six-yard box.

1-1  Iraq Ahmad Yaseem 76’

A sweeping move saw Ali Adnan’s perfect low cross beat Langerak and at the far post Yaseem coolly slotted home the equaliser.

SOCCEROOS’ FORMATION

3-2-4-1

STAR PERFORMERS

Jackson Irvine (AUS)

Mitch Langerak (AUS)

Mohanad Abdulraheem (IRQ)

Milos Degenek (AUS)

KEY MOMENT

60’ Langerak with a brilliant diving save to deny Iraq.

TALKING POINTS

-Australia’s new 3-2-4-1 formation.

-The pitch: hardly international standard

-Mitch Langerak taking the keeper’s gloves from Mat Ryan

FINAL WORD

All that mattered were three points. For both sides.

In the end, neither got what they wanted.