MELBOURNE (AFP) – Saudi Arabia had a goal disallowed in extra-time as they ground out a goalless draw against Australia yesterday, a result that did neither side any favours in their bid to qualify for the 2026 World Cup.
Despite several chances in front of a sold out AAMI Park in Melbourne, the breakthrough both teams desperately needed never came.
The Saudis and their new French coach Herve Renard thought they had won in the 93rd minute when Sultan Al-Ghannam rifled home from just inside the box.
But the flag went up, with one of his teammates offside.
The stalemate played into the hands of Group C leaders Japan and opened the door for Bahrain to leapfrog them as Asian qualifying reached the halfway mark.
Both teams now have six points, four behind table-toppers Japan who can stretch their lead further when they meet Indonesia in Jakarta today.
Bahrain, who are have five points, host China in Riffa and will move into second spot if they win. Just the top two seal their place at the 2026 World Cup in North America, with third and fourth forced into another round of Asian qualifying. Australia must now lift for a difficult trip to Bahrain.
