Downes, 22, netted with a glancing header at the near post from a Kristian Sarkies corner that beat a sea of bodies to give Australia a positive start.

But Iran levelled less than a minute later on a fast counter which ended with striker Vahid Amraei slotting the ball into the corner of the net after beating his opponent.

The Olyroos regained their poise just before halftime as striker Mark Bridge coolly slotted a 43rd minute penalty for a 2-1 lead after Newcastle United midfielder James Troisi was tripped in the penalty area by Iran captain Hassein Kaebi.

Dynamic Troisi then netted his first national goal in the 53rd minute from close range after Sydney FC defender Nik Topor-Stanley beat an opponent on the left and squared the ball back invitingly for him to drive past the keeper for 3-1.

The win enabled the Olyroos to surge into second spot in the Group D qualifying phase with one match to play away against Jordan, needing only a draw to advance.

But the Olyroos had to fend off the wily Iranians with just 10 men for the final 25 minutes after Bridge was sent off for a clash off the ball with Mohammed Nazari, who was cautioned.

Adelaide United striker Nathan Burns had a shot cleared off the line in the 17th minute while Sarkies and midfielder Neil Kilkenny went close in the second half as Australia held on to its second win in five games in Group D matches.

Iran slipped to third in the group, three points adrift of Australia.

Australia will miss Bridge and Topor-Stanley for its last match against Jordan on June 6 after the latter was cautioned in the dying minutes, his second od the phase.