Wright's Australia forced into final showdown

The Socceroos remain on the brink of automatic qualification for next summer’s tournament in Russia, after Saudi Arabia were beaten by UAE.

Japan’s win in Saitama has secured their place at the World Cup, leaving the Saudis and Australia to fight it out for the remaining automatic spot in AFC Qualifying Group B.

Both Saudi Arabia and Australia sit on 16 points and face Japan and Thailand respectively in their final group match. To progress without the need of a play-off, Wright's Australia will need to better Saudi Arabia’s result by two goals or more.

The decisive fixtures will be played on Tuesday (September 5th).