Massimo Luongo and Tomi Juric scored seven minutes apart in the second half to give Australia a 2-0 win over Iraq and the perfect start to round three of their World Cup qualifying campaign on Thursday.

A first half of frustration in Perth gave way just before the hour mark, when Luongo arrived on the spot to fire home Juric’s squared ball.

Juric made sure of the result in the 65th minute, when Mark Milligan successfully drew attention from Aaron Mooy’s corner, allowing the striker to tap home from a metre.

The result – if not the performance – will please coach Ange Postecoglou, who spoke of the importance of winning home games during this decisive qualifying group stage.

Sterner tests await, including the United Arab Emirates next Tuesday in scorching Abu Dhabi heat.

Massimo Luongo sparked a two-goal spurt in the second half. Photo: Getty

But with a shot count of 20-6 and 72 per cent of possession, the Socceroos can be content to avoid an upset during the first of 10 qualifiers leading to the 2018 tournament. 

Australia were denied twice by the woodwork before breaking through, and allowed simple errors to creep into their play, almost in exasperation.

After 26 minutes, Mathew Leckie’s majestic long-range header reduced goalkeeper Mohammed Hameed to a bystander, only to bounce off the inside of the post and away.

Mile Jedinak, who was uncharacteristically astray in his passing, headed Mooy’s cross just over.

At halftime, it felt like the Socceroos had control of the play, but not the contest.

Improved intensity after the break soon had the Iraqis swamped.

Australia next plays the United Arab Emirates in Abu Dhabi. Photo: Getty

A fine move between Jedinak and Mathew Leckie ended with Mooy crashing an effort onto the bar. 

Australia had their swagger back, and a breakthrough seemed inevitable.

When it did come in the 58th minute, Juric was the most grateful man at nib Stadium.

The lanky striker contrived to botch the simplest of tap-ins but, a minute later, had his redemption.

Juric picked himself up after the abominable miss, crossing for Luongo, who didn’t make the same mistake.

Australia didn’t let up, and it was Juric who made the game safe from Mooy’s set piece shortly after.

On his competitive debut, Milos Degenek impressed at right-back, while substitute Robbie Kruse fizzed with energy.

-AAP