Sports News | Australia and Saudi Arabia Draw 0-0 in World Cup Qualifier
Get latest articles and stories on Sports at LatestLY. Australia and Saudi Arabia drew 0-0 in Asian qualifying for the 2026 World Cup on Thursday.
Melbourne, Nov 14 (AP) Australia and Saudi Arabia drew 0-0 in Asian qualifying for the 2026 World Cup on Thursday.
While there was late drama there was little quality on display.
Near time, Sultan Al-Ghannam's low shot from just inside the area went in and seemed to give a vital win for Herve Renard, the second-time Saudi coach who replaced Roberto Mancini last month. To the relief of the majority of the 27,491 fans, the goal was disallowed for offside.
Australia was given a penalty after 12 minutes after Mitch Duke went down under a challenge from Saudi goalkeeper Ahmed Al-Kassar but VAR ruled the foul was outside the area.
Saudi Arabia, like Australia aiming for a seventh World Cup appearance, went closest with a shot from Nasser Al-Dawsari forcing a save from Joe Gauci at the near post.
There were fewer opportunities in the second half, the best falling to Australia six minutes from the end. In a two-on-one situation inside the area, Riley McGree's goal-bound shot was blocked by Saud Abdulhamid.
Both teams remained level on six points from five games, four points behind Group C leader Japan.
Only the top two of six in each group will qualify automatically. The third- and fourth-place finishers will advance to the next stage. (AP) AM
(The above story is verified and authored by Press Trust of India (PTI) staff. PTI, India’s premier news agency, employs more than 400 journalists and 500 stringers to cover almost every district and small town in India.. The views appearing in the above post do not reflect the opinions of LatestLY)