In a high-stakes World Cup qualifier that had fans on the edge of their seats, Australia’s hopes of smooth passage to the 2026 tournament hit a snag as they were held to a 0-0 draw by Saudi Arabia at AAMI Park in Melbourne. The Socceroos will be left ruing a handful of golden opportunities that went begging on a night where a win would have put them in pole position to qualify.
Chances Galore, But No Goal
From the outset, it was clear that this would be no ordinary qualifier. The tension was palpable as both sides looked to seize the initiative. Australia, buoyed by a boisterous home crowd, carved out the game’s first clear-cut chance in the 18th minute. A well-worked free-kick routine saw Lewis Miller‘s header blocked into the path of towering defender Harry Souttar, but with the goal at his mercy, he somehow skied his effort over the bar from point-blank range.
The Socceroos continued to press, with Aiden O’Neill‘s tenacious work in midfield setting the tone. His pressure forced a turnover just before halftime, allowing Mitch Duke to square for Ajdin Hrustic. But the usually reliable playmaker could only muster a tame shot straight at Saudi keeper Mohammed Al-Owais.
Australia’s profligacy continued after the break, with the best chance falling to substitute Brandon Borrello in the 84th minute. Put clean through on goal, he inexplicably opted to pass rather than shoot, allowing the Saudi defense to scramble the ball to safety. It was a moment that encapsulated the Socceroos’ struggles in front of goal.
Dramatic Finale Sees Saudi Goal Chalked Off
Just when it seemed Australia would have to settle for a point, Saudi Arabia thought they had stolen the win at the death. With 95 minutes on the clock, Sultan Al-Ghannam lashed home from the edge of the box, sparking wild celebrations among the Saudi contingent.
However, their joy was short-lived. The assistant referee’s flag was up, with replays showing that Ali Al-Bulaihi was fractionally offside in the build-up. By the barest of margins, Australia had been handed a reprieve.
I just saw the reaction. We have to give confidence to the ref. But I have to see once again to be sure they made the best decision.
Saudi Arabia coach Hervé Renard on the disallowed goal
Mixed Emotions for Socceroos Boss Popovic
For Australia coach Tony Popovic, it was a night of contrasting emotions. While relieved to have avoided a damaging defeat, he will know that his side must be more clinical if they are to secure a spot at the 2026 World Cup.
They brought a lot of energy in the first half and I don’t think we coped with that very well. We weren’t very good with the ball and we looked a little bit heavy and lethargic. But in the second half, I thought we really improved and took control of the game, which was pleasing.
Australia coach Tony Popovic’s post-match assessment
Qualifying Picture Remains Murky
The draw leaves the group finely poised, with both Australia and Saudi Arabia likely to be leapfrogged by Bahrain, who face bottom-placed China later on Thursday. The Socceroos will need to regroup quickly, with tough tests against Bahrain and China still to come.
One positive for Popovic’s men was the performance of Ajdin Hrustic, who grew into the game after a quiet start. His vision and passing range will be key if Australia are to unlock stubborn defenses in their remaining qualifiers.
The road to the 2026 World Cup remains a challenging one for Australia. But if they can find their cutting edge in front of goal and maintain their defensive solidity, they will fancy their chances of securing a spot at football’s showpiece event. For now, though, the Socceroos will be left to reflect on what might have been on a night of high drama in Melbourne.
