Aussies advance

DOHA, Qatar (AP):

Harry Kewell scored a dramatic winner with three minutes of extra time remaining yesterday to send Australia into the semi-finals of the Asian Cup with a 1-0 victory that ended Iraq's defence of their title.

The game looked set to be decided by a penalty shoot-out before Matt McKay crossed from deep for Kewell to head into the corner past the despairing dive of Mohammed Kassid in the Iraq goal in the 117th minute.

Australia will face Uzbekistan in Tuesday's semi-finals after Kewell's winner settled a nail-biting encounter and finally put to bed memories of Australia's ignominious exit on their debut four years ago.

Then, Australia went out on penalties to Japan in the last eight having begun the tournament as favourites following their switch from the Oceania region to Asia.

Glory

Australia also lost to Iraq in the group stage in 2007, and might have suffered the same fate yesterday had Emad Mohammed's shot not dribbled just wide shortly after half-time.

Instead, Kewell was left to take the glory, swinging his shirt above his head in celebration as his teammates mobbed him.