The Socceroos survived a scare at the death after failing to take their chances in a stalemate with the Green Falcons in Melbourne.
The action heats up at the death but after a couple of near misses in the dying stages both sides will have to settle for a point in a stalemate. The Socceroos had their chances through the second half in particular but as we have seen too often in recent times, the lack of lethal finishers meant putting the ball into the back of the net proved easier said than done. Saudi Arabia thought they had scored a 93rd-minute winner with a thunderbolt from Sultan Al Ghannam but the goal was ruled out for offside. When Riley McGree missed with a bicycle kick just two minutes later the whistle soon below and frustration was clear for both sides.
Australia will be sweating on the fitness of Ajdin Hrustic, who was forced off at half-time with a leg injury, while his replacement Nishan Velupillay also had to be subbed out after rolling an ankle in the 74th minute as Anthony Caceres stepped out for a Socceroos debut.
A Close Encounter
The game was a tense affair from the start, with both sides creating chances but failing to find the back of the net. The Socceroos had the better of the first half, but their finishing was poor. Riley McGree, in particular, missed a couple of good opportunities to score, including a bicycle kick in the last minute of the game.
The Saudis had their own chances, and they came close to scoring in the 93rd minute when Sultan Al Ghannam’s thunderous shot found the back of the net. However, the goal was ruled out for offside after VAR review.
Popovic's Take
Socceroos coach Tony Popovic was disappointed with his side’s performance, but he was also realistic about the result. He acknowledged that they had missed a number of good chances to win the game, but he also praised his team for their resilience in the face of adversity.
“I think when you look at the chances, we had some good opportunities,” Popovic said. “But we have to give our opponent credit, first half we didn’t play very well. We were not very good with the ball. They looked sharp and energetic. And we struggled a little in the first half and improved significantly in the second half which was good. We had good opportunities. Unfortunately we couldn’t take them.”
“I think if you look at the quality that they have, how athletic and technical their players are, it’s not really a surprise [Saudi Arabia looked to start on the front foot]. I think we took a little long to get into the game. We looked a little heavy and lethargic in the first half but I’m pleased with the response in the second.”
“We didn’t play well with the ball in the first half but created two very good chances from good pressing moments. Second half we improved with the ball. So overall it’s a point. We move forward. But certainly we can improve.”
Renard's Perspective
Saudi Arabia coach Herve Renard was also disappointed with the result, but he was more focused on his side’s performance. He felt that they had played well enough to win the game, but they had been let down by their finishing.
“We gave them a chance at the end, the free kick was probably due to fatigue,” Renard said.
“I was worried. These things are always a fine line but our defenders pushed up, credit to them.”
Missed Opportunities
The Socceroos will be left wondering what might have been, as they missed a number of golden opportunities to win the game. The lack of a clinical finisher cost the Socceroos dearly.
“We will look back on the game and improve on bits and pieces. The biggest thing is putting the ball in the back of the net,” O’Neill added.
The result leaves the Socceroos in a precarious position in their qualifying group. They are now level on points with Saudi Arabia, but they are ahead on goal difference. However, Bahrain is only one point behind and has a game in hand.
The Socceroos will need to improve their finishing if they want to qualify for the World Cup in 2026. They have a long way to go, but they still have time to turn things around.
What's Next?
The Socceroos will be looking to bounce back from this result when they take on Bahrain on the road. The game will be a crucial one for the Socceroos, as they will be looking to secure a vital three points. The match is also likely to be a tense affair, as Bahrain will be eager to close the gap on the Socceroos in the group standings.
The game will be played on November 18th, and it is sure to be a must-watch for Socceroos fans around the world.
The Socceroos will need to be at their best if they want to win this game, and they will need to find a way to improve their finishing if they want to secure a place at the 2026 World Cup.
This game was a missed opportunity for the Socceroos, but it was not a fatal one. They still have time to turn things around and qualify for the World Cup. They have the talent and the ability to do it, but they need to be more clinical in front of goal if they want to make it happen.
