SYDNEY: Saudi Arabia claimed a potentially crucial point in their bid to reach the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022, holding Australia to a 0-0 draw in their AFC Asian Qualifiers – Road to Qatar clash on Thursday.
Both sides had chances to secure what would have been three priceless points, but Herve Renard’s Green Falcons will have emerged the happier after avoiding defeat for the first time on Australian soil.
The result ensures Saudi Arabia have reached the half-way point of the Final Round as Group B leaders, while Australia’s failure to build on their enviable home record means they remain in second place.
Playing at home for the first time in more than two years, the Socceeroos began at a searing tempo and intensity, but the visitors responded strongly to avoid offering up any early chances. The driving rain at Western Sydney Stadium made life difficult for both sides in the first half, and while Saudi captain Salman Al Faraj and Australia’s Ajdin Hrustic both tound themselves on the end of promising chances, neither goalkeeper was tested In a spirited but scoreless opening 45 minutes.
