Australia, already struggling in the qualifiers, came back to win 2-1 against Iraq after two late goals.

"It is better to operate from the upper position rather than to chase the pack," German Osieck told reporters. "I think we are back in the race after a not-so-good game in Jordan.

"We have finished the first part of qualifying with three very difficult road games and so we managed to stay in the second position which means we (would) qualify automatically."