Saudi Arabia, SKorea qualify for WC
China out
JEDDAH, Sept 5, (Agencies): Saudi Arabia qualified for the World Cup for the first time since 2006 by beating Japan 1-0 in Jeddah on Tuesday to claim a place at the finals in Russia next year.
The Saudis join Iran, Japan, South Korea, Brazil, Mexico, Belgium and hosts Russia in the 32team tournament, which will take place from June 14 to July 15.
Meanwhile, Omar Al Soma’s stoppage-time equaliser extended war-torn Syria’s World Cup fairytale on Tuesday, as South Korea booked their spot for the ninth straight time.
Syria were 2-1 down against Iran and heading out, but in the third added minute Mardek Mardkian slid a pass to Al Soma, who finished through goalkeeper Alireza
In Melbourne, Australia beat Thailand 2-1 in their final World Cup qualifying group game on Tuesday.
It wasn’t until the 69th minute that Tomi Juric got the opener, and the Thais — who earlier had a strong penalty appeal turned down — hit back through Pokklaw Anan before Mathew Leckie’s late winner.
“We got at them, it was a little bit disappointing their goal on the counter, but overall we got ourselves in good scoring positions,” Australia skipper Mark Milligan said.
“I don’t know how many times we hit the post, we gave it everything we had tonight. Credit to Thailand, they hung firm on their 18-yard box for a long time.”
The Asian champions peppered the Thai goal from the outset, with Hertha Berlin’s Leckie featuring heavily on the right wing.
Aaron Mooy and veteran talisman Tim Cahill both hit the post, and Tom Rogic’s long-range volley was saved by goalkeeper Sinthaweechai Hathairattanakool.
Juric wasted a direct free kick, blasting high over the bar, and also had a great goal-bound chance blocked by Adisorn Promrak.
Thailand’s best moments came through their skipper Teerasil Dangda, and Australia goalkeeper Mat Ryan was fortunate to escape punishment for bringing down the forward wide of the goal area.
The Socceroos had 15 shots to Thailand’s three in the opening half, with two on target and four blocked.
Thailand looked unlucky not to be awarded a penalty when Teerasil, on a breakaway, was brought down inside the box by defender Trent Sainsbury. Juric finally got the home side in front with his glancing header off a Mooy cross.
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