The Subway Socceroos played out a hard-fought scoreless draw in front of a packed crowd at Melbourne Rectangular Stadium on Thursday.
Despite several chances, Australia couldn’t find the breakthrough, with the Saudis having a goal disallowed in the dying moments.
Tony Popovic made just one change to the line-up from last month’s draw with Japan, with Aiden O’Neill replacing Luke Brattan in midfield. Joe Gauci started in goal, while Jackson Irvine captained the side.
Saudi Arabia controlled possession early on, but Australia created the better chances. A handball outside the box gave Ajdin Hrustic a free kick, but his strike hit the wall. A penalty call against Saudi keeper Ahmed Al-Kassar for a challenge on Mitch Duke was overturned after a VAR review, and a yellow card was issued to Al-Kassar.
Australia came close again, with Hrustic’s free-kick leading to a scramble in the box, but Harry Souttar’s half-volley soared over the bar. Just before half-time, Irvine’s counter-attack saw him shoot over the bar from close range, a missed chance that left the teams level at the break.
Nishan Velupillay came on for Hrustic at half-time and had an immediate impact, setting up Riley McGree for a shot that was blocked. Velupillay was later substituted after an ankle injury, with Brandon Borrello and 32-year-old debutant Anthony Caceres replacing him and Mitch Duke. Caceres became cap #647 in what was a proud moment for the Sydney FC midfielder.
Veteran left-back Aziz Behich also came on late for Jordy Bos in a straight swap. As the clock wound down, Australia searched for that elusive goal.
Borrello had a golden opportunity when he found himself one-on-one with the Saudi goalkeeper. He could have shot himself, but instead opted to draw the keeper in and pass to McGree. However, just as McGree was about to finish, a last-ditch challenge from the Saudi defender slid in and cleared the ball away. It was a good chance for the Socceroos, but credit must go to the Saudi defence for their excellent, desperate defending when it mattered most.
Kusini Yengi then came on for the last five minutes, replacing Aiden O’Neill. Despite Australia’s numerous chances, it looked as though Saudi Arabia had stolen the win late in the game. A shot from Sultan Al Ghannam had rocketed in off the left post after a free kick was headed out, sending the Saudis into wild celebration. However, the linesman immediately raised his flag, signalling for offside or possible interference.
The drama wasn’t over yet, as VAR was called into action to review the decision.
After a tense few moments, it was confirmed that the trailing foot of a Saudi player was offside, denying them what would have been a late match-winning goal. It was a massive moment in this game and could have huge implications for the group.
In the 96th minute, Riley McGree came close to snatching a dramatic goal, launching himself at a bicycle kick. The ball flew just wide of the post, leaving the Socceroos and their fans in disbelief. After a series of near misses in the final moments, both sides were forced to settle for a point, with the match ending in a 0-0 draw.
Attention now turns to Wednesday morning (AEDT) in Bahrain.
Match Details
Socceroos 0
Saudi Arabia 0
Thursday, 14 November 2024
Melbourne Rectangular Stadium, Melbourne
Australia line-up: Joe Gauci (GK); Lewis Miller, Jason Geria, Harry Souttar, Cameron Burgess, Jordy Bos (Behich 82′), Aiden O’Neill (Yengi 91′), Jackson Irvine, Ajdin Hrustic (Velupillay 46′, Caceres 74′), Riley McGree; Mitch Duke (Borrello 74′).
Unused substitutes: Mat Ryan (GK), Paul Izzo (GK), Milos Degenek, Kye Rowles, Patrick Yazbeck, Max Balard, Ryan Grant.
Yellow cards: McGree, Geria
Saudi Arabia line-up: Ahmed Al-Kassar (GK), Saud Abdulhamid, Hassan Al-Tambakti, Ali Al-Bulahi, Yasser Al-Shahrani, Nasser Al-Dawsari, Musab Al-Juwayr (Al-Khaibari 57′), Faisal Al Ghamdi (Al Ghanam 88′), Marwan Al-Sahafi (Al-Saluli 88′), Firas Al-Buraikan (Radif 97′), Saleh Al-Shehri (Alhamddan 57).
Unused substitutes: Hamed Al-Shanqiti (GK), Mohammed Al Yami (GK), Ali Lajami, Saad Fahad Al Nasser, Mohammed Al-Qahtani, Abdullah Radif.
Yellow cards: Al-Kassar, Al Aulaihi
Next Match
Bahrain v Subway Socceroos
Tuesday 19 November 2024
Bahrain National Stadium, Riffa
Kick-off: 9.15pm local (5.15am AEDT – Wednesday, 20 November)
Broadcast: Paramount+
