Socceroos coach Tony Popovic remains confident his side can automatically qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup despite the 0-0 draw with Saudi Arabia at AAMI Park on Thursday night.
The Socceroos still have five games to go, including an away clash with Bahrain in the early hours of Wednesday morning AEDT with star attacker Craig Goodwin set to return to the side after being suspended for too many yellow cards for the Saudi Arabia game.
Jackson Irvine of the Socceroos controls the ball.Credit: Getty Images
Popovic said the 27,491 fans would be a little disappointed but his side was well-placed.
The Socceroos are tied with Saudi Arabia on six points but finished the game in second place on goal difference, Bahrain and China were due to play overnight which could see Bahrain jump ahead with a win.
Japan leads the group with 10 points, the top-two teams directly qualify for the World Cup.
“It’s not the same going home after a draw compared to a win,” Popovic said.
“I think they saw their team do really well in the second half. And probably go home thinking it was just an opportunity maybe missed.
“But we have put ourselves in a position that we still can get that automatic spot which is important.”