English
Australia Stages Comeback Victory in Jeddah After Early Setback
Jeddah, Saudi Arabia – In a match held at the Al Inma Bank Stadium at King Abdullah Sport City, Australia secured an important victory over Saudi Arabia in a World Cup 2026 qualifying match. Despite having only 30% of the ball possession, the “Socceroos” demonstrated attacking efficiency to overcome the home team.
Saudi Arabia, dominating possession with 70%, opened the scoring in the 19th minute with a goal by A. Al Oboud. However, Australia reacted before halftime, leveling the score in the 42nd minute thanks to C. Metcalfe. The second half began with an impactful strike from the visitors, with M. Duke scoring in the 48th minute to give Australia the lead.
The match was intense, with a total of 22 fouls committed between both teams and two yellow cards shown (one per side). Saudi Arabia had the opportunity to equalize in the 85th minute, but S. Al Dawsari missed a penalty. Despite dominating possession and taking 14 shots (6 on target), the Saudi team failed to convert their opportunities, while Australia made the most of their scarce 4 shots, 3 of which were directed at the opponent’s goal. The match ended with a valuable victory for Australia, who add important points on their way to World Cup qualification.
Substitutions saudi arabia: at minute 61 N. Al Dawsari came in and M. Al Juwayr went out., at minute 62 M. Al Sahafi came in and A. Al Oboud went out., at minute 62 S. Abdulhamid came in and A. Majrashi went out., at minute 73 H. Tambakti came in and H. Kadesh went out., at minute 86 S. Al Shehri came in and F. Al Buraikan went out.
Substitutions australia: at minute 65 M. Toure came in and M. Duke went out., at minute 65 R. McGree came in and C. Metcalfe went out., at minute 77 R. Teague came in and P. Yazbek went out., at minute 77 M. Tilio came in and M. Boyle went out., at minute 90 A. Caceres came in and A. O’Neill went out.
The teams lined up as follows:
Saudi Arabia
Titulares:
Australia
Titulares:
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