The Socceroos shared the spoils with Group B leaders Saudi Arabia in the third round of World Cup Qualifiers.
Australia were held to a 0-0 draw by Saudi Arabia in the third round of the World Cup Qualifying game.
The Socceroos returned home after around two years and the hype was huge heading into this game. However, the home fans could have been left disappointed with the draw.
The hosts dominated possession across the 90 minutes but failed to capitalise on the chances.
The Socceroos put the visitors in trouble on a few occasions in the second half, but it wasn’t enough to break the deadlock.
At the hour mark, striker Mathew Leckie had his shot brilliantly saved by Saudi goalkeeper Mohammed Al-Yami. However, Socceroos midfielder Jackson Irvine failed to pounce on the rebound.
Al-Yami was called into action minutes later, making a double save to keep the Socceroos at bay. If it weren’t for the 24-year-old’s fine display between the sticks, the visitors couldn’t have gotten away with a draw.
The result sees Saudi still top the Group B table of the Asian Qualifiers with 13 points, 3 points ahead of the Socceroos. Saudi will be facing Vietnam next week.
The Socceroos had their 11-match unbeaten streak broken by Japan last month and they haven’t managed any victories in their last two games.
Nonetheless, a draw is still a fair result for the Socceroo after being the better team today. If they had been clinical in the final third, they would have grabbed three points.
The Socceroos will play China in their next World Cup Qualifying game on Tuesday.
