In a match of very few scoring chances, Emad's speculative 30-yard effort just before the half-hour mark proved the difference between the two teams. Australia dominated the second half but created nothing to seriously worry the Iraqi defence.

In Group 1, Qatar, which defeated China 1-0 in Tianjin earlier in the day, now joins Australia on top of the group on seven points, while Iraq moves ahead of China (three points) into second spot on four points.

A subdued start to the game saw few chances created inside the first 20 minutes, but when Jason Culina was denied a penalty appeal when crudely tackled by Basem Abbas, the game opened up.

Seconds later, Basem was testing Mark Schwarzer out with a long shot and then Emad headed wide when left unchecked.

When given space again on 28 minutes, Emad decided to chance his hand from some 30 yards out. Schwarzer was off his line and the excellent shot hit the underside of the cross bar and went in for the first goal against the Socceroos in over 600 minutes.

The momentum of the game seemed to switch at that point, with Iraq suddenly in control of both the tempo and the better attacking chances. But Schwarzer was never seriously threatened for remainder of the first half, while Noor Sabri's biggest worry was Luke Wilkshire's free kick, which sailed over the bar.

Brett Holman came on for Vince Grella at half time and that allowed Australia to get more of a hold on the game. However, the Iraqi defence was not allowing anything of substance to reach Harry Kewell, meaning Holman was forced to do much of the work.

Holman should have levelled it on the hour, playing a clever one-two with Kewell, but his tame shot didn't trouble the Iraqi keeper.

Verbeek called on Josh Kennedy to replace Chris Coyne and the big striker made an immediate impact, just mistiming a header from a Wilkshire cross. Scott McDonald then came on for Kewell with 20 minutes left.

But despite having a mountain of possession, Australia could not create a serious chance on goal. Holman's low cross was poorly met by McDonald while Carney's effort from a corner was cleared by Basem.

Australia now faces the reality of needing to win one of its final two games against Qatar away and China at home to progress to the next stage.

Iraq 1 (Emad 28)
Australia 0