Australia have become the second team to confirm their place at the 2014 World Cup finals after a 1-0 victory over Iraq.
Australia have become the second team to confirm their place at the 2014 World Cup finals in Brazil (bet on Brazil World Cup odds) after Josh Kennedy’s goal gave them 1-0 victory over Iraq in Sydney.
Kennedy was a 77th minute substitute at Sydney’s Olympic Stadium, making his first appearance for the side since 2011.
Coach Holger Osieck showed a lot of faith in the forward, who was sent on in the place of the talismanic Tim Cahill.
The former Everton man was clearly frustrated at being brought off but his delight was clear when Kennedy headed home on 83 minutes.
Japan have already clinched top spot in Group B of Asian qualifying and become the first team to secure a place at the finals alongside hosts Brazil, who did not have to go through the process of qualification.
The Socceroos have now joined them and captain Lucas Neill believes the squad is fully deserving of what will be a third consecutive World Cup finals appearance.
Neill said: “It’s amazing for the country.
“Three World Cups (in a row) now. It wasn’t pretty but we beat what was in front of us. Tonight let’s look at the positives, Australia are going to Brazil!”
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