Post-match quotes:
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Australian boss Frank Farina admitted he was "bitterly disappointed" after this defeat. "We had three one on ones but didn't take advantage. Had we scored a second goal after Mark Viduka opened the scoring, it might have been a different story.
"I am disappointed after the way we played."
Brian Kerr was quick to talk up the contribution of on loan Hibs keeper Nicky Colgan.
"The whole game changed with Nicky's save from Marc Viduka and from Colin Healy getting a second wind, Ian Harte's delivery with a free for the first goal and then his pass for Clinton Morrison to grab the winner," said Kerr.
"I had not expected to use so many substitutes but several of them were enforced through injuries. I don't think it's too serious for Matt Holland and Robbie Keane. Both have ankle ligament problems and we won't really know for a couple of days exactly how serious they are.
"That was not a normal Irish performance in the first half when the Australians controlled the midfield but our desire to pull it off helped us through.
"Australia played well. They haven't had a match since last February and they were really gunning for this game.
"Watching Clinton Morrison's goal it seemed to take an age before it rolled across the line. I'm delighted for him because he has had no football apart from a couple of reserve games since returning from a shoulder injury.
"Now I have a lot to think over before the game with Russia and that hope of keeping on course of for the European Championship finals," said Kerr.
"This was the first time since I took over the side that I had to come from behind. I was very pleased with the way we did it and the way the match changed in the second half."