16 Oct 2012

Pressure on Australia to beat Iraq

5:30 am on 16 October 2012

After a stuttering start to their World Cup football qualifying campaign, the pressure is on Australia to pick up an away win over Iraq to boost their hopes of reaching the finals in Brazil.

The Socceroos fell to a humbling 2-1 loss away to Jordan last month to leave them without a win in three Group B matches in Asian qualifying, and outside the two automatic finals places.

The loss to Jordan, who have never reached the World Cup, followed a lethargic goalless draw away to Oman, and a 1-1 draw at home against the group leaders Japan.

Tonight's match is in steamy Qatar, where Iraq play their home matches due to security concerns in their own country.