Iraq took a shock lead in the second half in Doha after a misplaced pass allowed them to counter against the run of play to outpace the Australian defence and beat keeper Mark Schwarzer.

Australia were left reeling by the goal after dominating the second half and a solid first half performance that had ended in deadlock despite the green and gold having the upper hand.

But Cahill managed to get on the end of a Matt McKay corner to head home the equaliser and the momentum returned to the Socceroos.

Coach Holger Osieck brought on Tommy Oar for only his third cap - and immediately transformed the Australian attack.

With the clock ticking down and a draw seeming inevitable, Oar sent in a perfect cross to find Thompson who glanced his header home and claim all three points.

Cahill and Thompson celebrated the winning goal together with their trademark boxing of the corner flag.

Iraq were unable to recover the lost ground and Australia held on to secure the vital win that puts them back in the mix to qualify directly for Brazil 2014.

They were helped by Oman's 2-1 win over Jordan which leveled the nations in Australia's group.

The win means Australia are now in second equal spot with Oman on five points, with Japan (who were beaten 4-0 by Brazil in a friendly overnight) on top with 10 points. Jordan are fourth with four points and Iraq bottom on two.