Saudis ready for WC ‘tough fight’ after draw in Japan, Australia beat China

The away win, hot on the heels of their 5 Iwin over Indonesia last week, leaves the Socceroos second in Group C on 3 points with two to play, three points ahead of Saudi Arabia

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Saudi Arabia coach Herve Renard said “Everything can happen’ after a 0-0 draw with already qualified Japan on Tuesday kept his team’s hopes of an automatic 2026 World Cup place alive.

The Saudis came under intense pressure from an attack-minded Japan in Saitama but escaped with a point to stay in touch with Australia in the battle for second place in Asian qualifying third round Group C.

Australia beat China 2-0 and lead the Saudis by three points with two games remaining.

The top two teams qualify directly for next year's World Cup in the United States, Canada and Mexico, with those placing third and fourth going into another qualifying round.

Saudi Arabia host Australia in their final qualifier in June and Renard said his side were still in the mix for a direct berth.

“There are still two games everything can happen,” said the Frenchman.

“We have to go to Bahrain, Australia will receive Japan and we will receive Australia in the last game.