DUBAI, June 7 (Reuters) - Iraq rekindled memories of their fairytale win in last year's Asian Cup with a stunning 1-0 victory over Australia in their World Cup qualifier on Saturday.

Iraq, who were almost kicked out of the competition two

weeks ago after a dispute between their government and world

governing body FIFA, upset their more fancied rivals when Emad

Rida scored in the 28th minute.

Rida's superbly taken goal gave the Iraqis their first win

of the qualifying campaign while handing Australia their first

loss and leaving the Asian Group One standings wide open with

two rounds to play.

Australia and Qatar head the table with seven points each

ahead of Iraq with four and China with three. Only the top two

will advance to the next and final stage of qualifying.

'It was a very unlucky goal. We were in complete control and

just waiting for the game to open up because Iraq had to win,'

Australia coach Pim Verbeek said in a televised interview.

'Once they scored, we had to change the way we played but I

think my boys did everything they could and we have to give

credit to the Iraqi team. They have some very intelligent

players.'

Neither side was able to create many real clear chances in

the stifling humidity but Rida, who hit the bar in Iraq's

unlucky 1-0 loss to Australia in Brisbane last week, found the

net when he curled a 25 metre kick over the head of Mark

Schwarzer into the top of the net.

Schwarzer conceded a similar goal in Australia's loss to

Iraq in the pool phase of last year's Asian Cup but Verbeek said

he could not attach any blame to his goalkeeper this time.

'He saved us in China, he saved us last week with some

fantastic saves so how can you blame a goalkeeper like that,'

the Dutchman said.

'We made it difficult for ourselves and now we have to win

one game out of the next two.'

The Australians, who were without some of their top players

including Mark Viduka, Lucas Neill and Tim Cahill, created a

rare chance in the second half when Harry Kewell back heeled the

ball to Brett Holman but his shot lacked power and was easily

saved by Noor Sabri.

Iraq overcame seemingly insurmountable odds last July to win

the Asian Cup and spark rare celebrations in their troubled

homeland but their hopes of qualifying for the World Cup seemed

doomed when they were temporarily banned from playing.

FIFA suspended them last month in response to their

government's decision to dissolve its National Olympic Committee

and only agreed to lift the ban after the government assured

them they were not meddling in football.