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March 25, 2025 | 09:22 pm
TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Saudi Arabia held Japan's national team to a goalless draw in the eighth round of the third round of Group C Asian qualifiers for the 2026 World Cup at Saitama Stadium on Tuesday, March 25, 2025. This result retains the Green Falcons’ chance of qualifying for the final rounds.
Meanwhile, Australia defeated China 2-0, which makes them three points ahead Saudi Arabia in the third round of Asia's Group C qualifiers. The top two teams qualify directly for the World Cup that will be held in the United States, Canada, and Mexico. The teams in third and fourth place will advance to the fourth round of Asian qualifiers.
Japan, which leads Group C, secured their spot in the 2026 World Cup after defeating Bahrain last week. Meanwhile, Saudi Arabia will visit Bahrain next June before hosting a match against Australia. This game is considered crucial to help determine which squad secures a direct ticket to the World Cup.
In the match against Japan, Saudi Arabia's coach Herve Renard lost several players to injuries. Japan's coach Hajime Moriyasu made six changes from the team that defeated Bahrain. Winger Kaoru Mitoma, forward Ayase Ueda, and midfielder Hidemasa Morita were absent due to injuries.
Daizen Maeda started the game up front. The Celtic player had a chance, but the ball hit the post in the ninth minute. Japan took control of the game from the kick-off. Maeda had another chance ten minutes later, but his shot was weak.
Saudi Arabia had an opening as well. Muhannad Al Shanqiti's header went over the crossbar shortly after Saudi Arabia's first attack in the match. Takefusa Kubo, Japan's best player against Bahrain, almost scored a goal before halftime but failed.
Moriyasu's player substitutions changed the game against Bahrain. He took another risk, bringing in Junya Ito and Ritsu Doan in the second half. However, the changes had little impact. The draw remained until the end.
Australia Defeats China 2-0
In another match, the Australian national team only needs one more win to qualify directly for the 2026 World Cup. The Socceroos managed to secure a 2-0 victory against China at the Hangzhou Olympic Sports Centre Stadium on Tuesday night.
Goals in the first half by Jackson Irvine and Nishan Velupillay gave Tony Popovic's team the lead, and the second half passed by without many incidents.
Editor’s Choice: Indonesia vs. Bahrain: Coach Kluivert Finalizes 23-Player Squad, Cuts Five
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