Australia experienced another frustrating night in Asia's World Cup qualifying on Tuesday as Graham Arnold's team were held to a 0-0 draw by Indonesia in Jakarta. Meanwhile, Saudi Arabia secured a late 2-1 victory over China. Hassan Kadish's 90th-minute header ensured victory for the 10-man Saudis, who now have four points from their first two games in Group C of the third phase of qualifying.
There was also disappointment for Asian Cup holders Qatar, who drew 2-2 with North Korea in Vientiane in Group A. The match was temporarily halted for 20 minutes in the second half due to heavy rain. The Australians, hoping to recover from a 1-0 loss to Bahrain, nearly scored when Nestory Irankunda hit the post in the 33rd minute. However, they were unable to break through Maarten Paes, and Indonesia secured another point after their draw with Saudi Arabia.
The Saudis, on the other hand, rallied from an early own goal by Ali Lajami to claim all three points against China. Lajami inadvertently put the ball into his own net in the 14th minute, but Kadish equalized shortly before halftime with a header from Nasser Al-Dawsari's corner. Kadish then sealed the win with a powerful header in the 90th minute after Salem Al-Dawsari had hit the crossbar earlier.
In Group A, North Korea took the lead against Qatar when Ri Il Song scored a stunning 25-yard strike. However, Qatar equalized through a penalty converted by Akram Afif after Jang Kuk Chol was sent off for conceding it. Almoez Ali put Qatar ahead with a shot in the 44th minute, but Kang Kuk Chol equalized with a free-kick in the 50th minute. The draw was the first point for either team after Qatar lost their opener to the UAE and North Korea were defeated by Uzbekistan.
Meanwhile, Jordan demonstrated their strength by defeating Palestine 3-1 in Group B. Yazan Al Naimat and Noor Al Rawabdeh scored for Jordan, while Wessam Abou Ali netted for Palestine. Jordan dominated the match, with Al Naimat scoring twice and Al Rawabdeh sealing the victory with a goal in the 72nd minute.
