Tim Cahill and the Socceroos’ quest for World Cup Qualification took another step sideways on Thursday as they were made to settle for a 1-1 draw with Iraq in neutral Tehran.
Testing conditions greeted Ange Postecoglou’s side in a wet and slippery PAS Stadium as the visitors were unable to click into top gear throughout the match.
Despite the setbacks, the Aussies took the lead before the stroke of half time as a pinpoint corner from former City man Aaron Mooy found the head of Matthew Leckie to open the scoring.
With Australia looking to close out the match, City forward Cahill entered the fray after 72 minutes replacing Robbie Kruse and the striker had little to do with Iraq pressing for the equaliser.
Their goal came after 76 minutes as Ahmed Yasin slid in on the slippery surface to find the goal that wouldn’t help either side in their quest for World Cup Qualification.
Cahill and the Socceroos return to Australia on Friday to prepare for Tuesday night’s clash with the UAE at Allianz Stadium, kick-off 8pm.
