The Socceroos were left to rue missed opportunities after a frustrating goalless draw against Saudi Arabia in their FIFA World Cup qualifier at Melbourne Rectangular Stadium.
In urgent need of victory to boost their chances of direct entry into the 2026 World Cup, Australia’s inability to secure three points has cast a damper on their ambitions of reaching a sixth World Cup. World consecutive.
The encounter was particularly notable for a thrilling occasion when Riley McGree’s audacious acrobatic kick in the last minute failed to result in a game-changing goal.
In search of victory, the Saudi players appeared to have scored a goal in the last minute, but the referee’s flag rose, overturning the goal after a contentious call for offside.
In the build-up, a free kick awarded after a yellow card to Jason Geria allowed Sultan Al Ghannam to strike powerfully, but his shot flew past Australian goalkeeper Joe Gauci, while Ali Albulayhi was flagged offside, obstructing the view of Gauci.
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The start of the match was timid for the Socceroos, who found themselves on the defensive as the Saudis took control of operations during the first 35 minutes, forcing Australia into stressful moments.
The match saw Mitch Duke undergo a violent change with Saudi goalkeeper Ahmed Al-Kassar. The referee first indicated a penalty; however, after VAR intervention, it was correctly deemed a free kick from outside the area. Although Alcazar was shown a yellow card, Socceroos coach Tony Popovic expressed his frustration at the lack of a red card for the goalkeeper.
As play resumed, Harry Souttar squandered a golden opportunity following a free kick taken by Ajdin Hrustic, sending his shot over the bar, prompting the Socceroos to push harder before the break.
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Hrustic, displaying his local mastery, struck but was stopped by a spectacular save from Al-Kassar. Captain Jackson Irvine also had a chance during a quick counterattack but failed to convert, leaving the two teams tied at halftime.
After the intermission, the Socceroos traded Hrustic for Nishan Velupillay, who unfortunately succumbed to an ankle injury shortly after, paving the way for Brandon Borrello’s return to the international stage. Anthony Caceres also made his debut, replacing Duke.
Despite creating several chances, the Socceroos failed to score a goal, with Borrello attempting to combine with McGree to score a vital goal, only to come up against a resolute Saudi defense.
At the end of the match, Australia and Saudi Arabia walked away with one point each, leaving them tied on six points in Group C of the Asian Qualifiers, although the Socceroos take the lead on goal difference .
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Crucially, Japan remain top by four points, while Bahrain, third and currently one point behind, will soon face China, adding pressure on the Socceroos.
The top two teams from each of the three AFC groups will clinch their place at the 2026 World Cup in Canada, Mexico and the United States. The Socceroos’ next challenge will be against Bahrain in Riffa on Wednesday.
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