Last-gasp victory
Nervous Aussies win to maintain hope of automatic entry
MELBOURNE: A nervous Australian lineup wasted dozens of opportunities and needed a late winner to edge Thailand 21 and maintain hope of gaining automatic entry to the World Cup.
Australia moved into second place in Group B, meaning Saudi Arabia have to win at home against alreadyqualified Japan to overhaul the Socceroos for a direct spot at next year’s World Cup in Russia.
The Saudis entered the last game in Asian qualifying equal on points with Australia but with a superior goal difference.
The top two teams in each of the Asian qualifying groups get automatic spots at the World Cup and the thirdplace teams go into a playoff for a shot at an intercontinental qualifier.
The Australians went in with an attacking mindset, wanting to win by at least two goals to improve their chances of progression, but were unable to capitalise on 75% possession in the first half.
They hit the post twice and forced two good saves from the Thai goalkeeper but were still 00 at the break.
Tommy Rogic hit the post in the 67th minute with a leftfoot shot, Australia’s 24th, two minutes before Tomi Juric finally broke the deadlock to give the hosts the lead when he nodded in a cross from Aaron Mooy.
Pokklaw Anan got a surprise equaliser against the run of play in the 82nd but Mathew Leckie ensured Australia’s win in the 86th with a leftfoot drive from close range. — AP