Australia and Saudi Arabia battled to a 0-0 draw in their AFC Asian Qualifiers – Road to 26 Group C match at the Melbourne Rectangular Arena on Thursday. The result left both teams with six points at the midway stage of the qualifiers, with neither side satisfied with the outcome. Australia had an early opportunity in the seventh minute when Saudi Arabia’s Musab Al Juwayr was penalised for a handball just outside the box. However, Ajdin Hrustic’s free-kick was blocked by the defensive wall. The Saudi response came with Yasir Al Shahrani crossing for Marwan Al Sahafi, but the ball was cleared by Christian Burgess. Australia continued to pressure Saudi Arabia’s defence, earning a free-kick in the 17th minute. Lewis Miller’s header from Hrustic’s set-piece went close, but Harry Souttar blazed the follow-up over the bar. Saudi Arabia came close to breaking the deadlock in the 26th minute when Saleh Al Shehri fed Nasser Al Dawsari, who cut through the Australian defence before forcing goalkeeper Joe Gauci into a fine save at the near post. Australia wasted two clear chances in the 33rd minute and again in the 36th minute. Miller had his header blocked, and Hrustic failed to find […]