Harry Kewell scored as Australia beat Asian champions Iraq to cement top spot in their World Cup qualifier in Brisbane.

The ex-Leeds winger, who was released by Liverpool at the end of the season, headed in a cross from Blackburn’s Brett Emerton in the 47th minute. It was his first goal in nearly a year.

There were fears the match would not go ahead after FIFA had suspended Iraq from all international competitions for a year. The one-year suspension was imposed after Iraq disbanded its Olympic Committee and national sport federations.

However, after an appeal, Fifa provisionally overturned the ban on the Iraqi Football Association, allowing them to take on Australia in Brisbane.

The win moved Australia to seven points in their group. Second-placed Qatar play China, in third, today. Iraq’s hope of reaching the next round have nearly gone, as they are placed bottom of the group with zero points.