Asian giants lose more ground with stalemate

Saudi Arabia had a goal disallowed in stoppage time as they ground out a 0-0 draw against Australia on Nov 14, a result that did neither side any favours in their bid to qualify for the 2026 World Cup.

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Despite several chances in front of a sold-out Melbourne Rectangular Stadium, the breakthrough both teams desperately needed never came.

The Saudis and their new French coach Herve Renard thought they had won it in the 93rd minute when Sultan Al-Ghannam rifled home from just inside the box. But the flag went up, with one of his teammates offside.

"We have to give confidence to the referee. I have to see it once again to be sure that they made the best decision. So I will not comment about this," Renard said.

"It was, for us, a difficult game but congratulations to everybody (on the team). We managed to get one point. We are in the middle of this group. Everything is still open."