Australia
Saudi Arabia
 
World Cup Qualifiers R3
Adelaide Oval
2017-06-08T10:00:00+00:00
Attendance
29,875

Juric and Rogic on target in crucial win

Following a Tomi Juric brace, Tom Rogic smashed a stunning winner for the Caltex Socceroos who saw off a spirited Saudi Arabia to win 3-2 on Thursday night in Adelaide and draw level on points with the Saudis in World Cup qualification.

Caltex Socceroos 3-2 Saudi Arabia; as it happened in the official match centre

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GAME IN SUMMARY

- A very open first half saw four goals - the Saudis coming back twice to go in at the break 2-2 after Tomi Juric bagged a brace for the hosts.

- Tom Rogic with a stunning left-foot rocket gave the hosts the lead just after the hour mark

 - After an uncertain first half, the Caltex Socceroos looked far more assured in the second half with half-time sub Aziz Behich adding plenty of class and energy to the home side's second stanza.  

GOALS

Tomi Juric, Australia 6’: 1-0

With ball in hand, keeper Yasser Al Mosailem slipped when booting the ball out of his box. The clearance went straight to Tomi Juric and from about 25m out the Luzern striker dispatched it into the back of the net.

Salem Al-Dawsari, Saudi Arabia 22’: 1-1

Superb inter-play between Al-Sahlawi and Al-Dawari through the middle opened up Australia’s defence and the Saudi star burst through and coolly slipped it low and past Mat Ryan.

Tomi Juric, Australia 35’: 2-1

Mat Leckie’s pace down the right got him to the byline, a measured cross found Juric’s head and with no marking the big striker guided home, and his nation’s, second goal of the night.

Mohammed Al Sahlawi, Saudi Arabia 45’: 2-2

With just seconds left in the half, on the transition, a pin-point ball over the top opened up Australia and Al-Sahlawi lurking on the opposite post met a low cross to volley home a superb equaliser.

Tom Rogic, Australia 64’: 3-2

Mooy laid it off for the Celtic star  10 metres in front of the box just left of the D, Rogic went boom! A left foot rocket that busted the net and gave the Aussies a lead for the third time on the night.  

The Caltex Socceroos squad for the upcoming FIFA World Cup qualifiers against Japan and Thailand will be trimmed to 23 on Wednesday.

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