AFC 2026 qualifiers: Aussies let factors slip with attracts in opposition to Saudi and Bahrain - Foot & Soccer*.*
AFC 2026 qualifiers: Aussies let factors slip with attracts in opposition to Saudi and Bahrain

AFC 2026 qualifiers: Aussies let factors slip with attracts in opposition to Saudi and Bahrain

November 21 – Australia’s World Cup hopes stay unsure after a 2-2 draw with Bahrain in Group C within the third spherical of World Cup qualifying. 

The Socceroos wanted a 96th-minute equaliser from Portsmouth striker Kusini Yengi to rescue some extent in Bahrain. The guests had taken an early lead by means of Yengi after a defensive blunder from the Bahraini, however they virtually collapsed within the final 20 minutes. Substitute Mahdi Abduljabbar levelled earlier than he scored a second three minutes later.

“There are numerous feelings now as a result of numerous issues occurred within the match,” mentioned Australia supervisor Tony Popovic (pictured). “We had a few good possibilities to make it 2-0 that we didn’t capitalise on, then we gave away a few targets in a short time. However we confirmed nice character to come back again.”

Final week, Popovic, who succeeded Graham Arnold, and Australia had been held to a goalless draw by Saudi Arabia in Melbourne.

The outcomes go away Australia in an unenviable place in Group C. In second spot, they’ve seven factors, another than the quartet of Bahrain, China, Indonesia and Saudi Arabia. The highest two groups on the finish of the section advance on to the World Cup in North America, whereas the third and fourth-placed sides advance to a different spherical. Japan have 16 factors and are inside touching distance of a ticket for the 2026 World Cup, a 48-team event within the US, Mexico and Canada.

“Everybody’s discovering it exhausting to get consecutive outcomes. We’ll take the purpose, replicate and transfer on to March in opposition to Indonesia,” mentioned Popovic.

Contact the author of this story at moc.l1732204949labto1732204949ofdlr1732204949owedi1732204949sni@i1732204949tnuk.1732204949ardni1732204949mas1732204949

 

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