HONG KONG: Australia endured another disappointing evening in Asia’s World Cup qualifying on Tuesday as Graham Arnold’s side were held to a 0-0 draw by hosts Indonesia while Saudi Arabia claimed a late 2-1 win over China.

Hassan Kadish’s 90th minute header earned victory for the 10-man Saudis, who moved onto four points from their opening two games in Group ‘C’ of the third phase of qualifying.

There was frustration, too, for Asian Cup holders Qatar, who drew 2-2 with North Korea in Vientiane in Group ‘A’ in a game that was suspended for 20 minutes in the second half due to torrential rain.

The Australians faced Indonesia in Jakarta hoping to bounce back from a 1-0 loss against Bahrain and went close to scoring when Nestory Irankunda hit the post with a low drive in the 33rd minute.

But Arnold’s side were unable to find a way past Maarten Paes as the dogged Indonesians followed up their draw with Saudi Arabia on Thursday with another point.

The Saudis, meanwhile, fought back from going behind to an early Ali Lajami own goal to pick up maximum points against China.

Lajami put the ball in his own net when he redirected Fei Nanduo’s corner past Mohammed Al-Owais in the 14th minute.

Four minutes later, Roberto Mancini’s side were reduced to 10 men when Mohammed Kanno was dismissed for kicking out at Jiang Shenglong but Kadish headed in Nasser Al-Dawsari’s corner to level shortly before halftime.

Kadish then decided the game with a powerful 90th-minute header after Salem Al-Dawsari had earlier hit the crossbar.

Boos rang around the stadium at the final whistle with Chinese manager Branko Ivankovic the target of many fans’ anger.

“There are three very strong teams in our group, Japan, Australia, and Saudi Arabia,” said Ivankovic.

“There are still eight games left. This game was a little better than the previous one. We still have hope in the upcoming matches.

“Hashtags “Chinese football. No hope” and “Ivankovic step down” began trending on social media platform Weibo minutes after the final whistle.

In Group ‘A’, North Korea went ahead against Qatar when Ri Il Song smashed home a right-footed strike from 25 yards that had goalkeeper Meshaal Barsham well-beaten.

Jang Kuk Chol was sent off after conceding a penalty when he brought down Akram Afif and the Qatari captain made no mistake with his 31st minute spot kick.

Almoez Ali’s rising shot flew into the top corner in the 44th minute to put Qatar in front but five minutes after the restart Kang Kuk Chol cracked a left-footed free kick into the top corner in the pouring rain.

The point is the first for either nation after Qatar lost their opener to the United Arab Emirates and the North Koreans were defeated by Uzbekistan.

Published in Dawn, September 11th, 2024