Doha: Australia came from behind twice to defeat Iraq 3-2 in their AFC U20 Asian Cup China 2025 quarter-final at the Baoan Sports Centre Stadium on Saturday. Australia will face either Japan or the Islamic Republic of Iran in the semi-finals, with the win also sealing their spot at the FIFA U20 World Cup Chile 2025, marking their first global stage appearance since 2013.

According to Qatar News Agency, Iraq were more threatening at the start, with Mustafa Nawaf teeing up Amoori Faisal in the center of the box. However, the Al Kahrabaa midfielder's shot was deflected for a corner. The West Asian side's pressure led to the opening goal in the 15th minute after Faisal weaved through the center and unleashed a curling effort past Australia keeper Stevan Hall into the top right corner.

Australia regrouped and restored parity in the 22nd minute after Luka Jovanovic's dipping free-kick slipped past Iraq custodian Wisam Ali into the bottom left corner. Smart attacking moves left the door open for Australia's Musa Toure, but he failed to get past the offside trap twice, which proved costly as Iraq regained the lead in the 26th minute.

Iraq had a chance to extend their lead in the 52nd minute after Faisal advanced into the box and cut the ball back for Karrar Jaafar, whose volleyed effort was foiled by Australia's Paul Okon. Toure wasted a clear-cut header in the 58th minute before Australia leveled the tie again four minutes later when Iraq failed to clear Okon's cross, allowing Alexander Badolato to set up Panagiotis Kikianis for a curling right-footed finish.

Iraq challenged Hall again in the 72nd minute, but the shot-stopper palmed away Muslim Mousa's header. Australia then took the lead two minutes later, capitalizing on a poor headed clearance from Mousa. The ball landed kindly for Badolato, who struck home a thunderous shot from just outside the box, stunning Iraq and taking Australia to within two matches of lifting the coveted title for the first time.