Caltex Socceroos defender Trent Sainsbury was disappointed to leave Jeddah with just a point following Friday morning's (AEDT) 2-2 draw with Saudi Arabia in final phase World Cup qualifying.
In a match played in sweltering heat and in front of a packed King Abdullah Sports City Stadium, the hosts stunned the Aussies with an early goal.
Ange Postecoglou’s side gradually worked their way back into the match, with Sainsbury squaring the ledger on the cusp of half-time with a well placed header - his third goal in his last ten internationals.
Tomi Juric put Australia in front in the second half when he got on the end of a Robbie Kruse cross but a late goal following a drinks break saw Saudi Arabia draw level through Nassir Al Shamrani.
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“I don’t think we’re going to be too happy with ourselves when we analyse that game,” Sainsbury told Fox Sports.
“We conceded in the first ten minutes, we didn’t counteract that pressure that was coming from their forward line.
“Obviously the crowd was behind them.
“To concede that late as well after working so hard to get ahead it hurts.
“It almost feels like a loss because I think we deserved to win that game and take three points with us.”
Despite the disappointment the Socceroos remain unbeaten and on top of their group – alongside Saudi Arabia – following two tough road trips on the final road to Russia 2018.
Australia will now look to consolidate their standing against Japan, who netted a 95th minute winner against Iraq in their MD 3 encounter, in Melbourne on Tuesday night.
“Seven points from three games is nice but nine points would be a whole lot better,” added Sainsbury.
“There are a lot of positives to take away from the game but disappointment is what the boys are feeling right now.”
