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Ajdin Hrustic had a prime opportunity to shoot from the top of the box after a poor Saudi turnover in defence.
The left-footer had time to settle and get over the ball but he went for placement over power and the keeper was able to dive low and hold onto the ball.
We are into injury time, six minutes, for the first half.
AUS 0, KSA 0 after 45 mins.
Perhaps the Saudis have reduced their pressure or the Socceroos midfielders are feeling more comfy but the home side has put together some nice passing in the last few minutes holding possession for much longer than earlier in the game.
The Saudi defence is still holding strong and looks typically well-organised while they are looking to waste time whenever there is a minor bruise to turn into a dramatic injury.
AUS 0, KSA 0 after 40 mins.
Jackson Irvine makes a pass for the Socceroos.Credit: Getty Images
It’s feast or famine for the Socceroos so far.
They have just created their best move of the half threading together five or six passes in midfield and getting the ball wide left to Jordy Bos who has looked dangerous when able to push forward.
Yasir Gharsan S Alshahrani of Saudi Arabia and Lewis Miller of the Socceroos.Credit: Getty Images
But his ball into Duke fell short.
Then at the other end, keeper Joe Gauci has his clearance kick blocked out of play by the Saudis.
AUS 0, KSA 0 after 31 mins.
No great shock how this match has gone so far – the Saudis were always going to start on the front foot and with plenty of energy thanks to Renard’s return.
So far, they’ve dominated possession without creating many meaningful attacks.
Feras Albrikan of Saudi Arabia controls the ball.Credit: Getty Images
For the Socceroos, it’s about weathering this storm and then making their opportunities count when they come at the other end.
Harry Souttar just spurned a terrific one from that free kick, though.
AUS 0, KSA 0 after 22 mins.
The ball came to ground from the free kick and Harry Souttar had the ball fall at his feet but blasted it over the bar.
That was a great opportunity.
AUS 0, KSA 0 after 18 mins.
Harry Souttar of the Socceroos stand alongside teammates during the signing of the national anthem.Credit: Getty Images
UPDATE: The VAR has ruled that it wasn’t a penalty.
Duke is up and moving around, the Saudi keeper is still on his backside with a red mark on his head.
The keeper has received a yellow card, so far, he remains on the field. In the footy codes, he would be off for a concussion test.
It will be a free kick for the Socceroos.
AUS 0, KSA 0 after 15 mins.
Mitch Duke and the Saudi keeper have banged heads while leaping for the ball on the edge of the box.
The referee has pointed to the penalty spot but both players are down and the VAR video review will look at it.
Is it a penalty or a free kick? Time will tell.
The Saudis are pressing quite aggressively to start the match, it’s no surprise as Renard is known for pushing his side up the ground.
They almost had a shot on goal before Jason Geria stuck his foot in at the last minute and deflected the ball out for a corner.
The Socceroos haven’t had much of the possession yet although we are only a few minutes in.
AUS 0, KSA 0 after five minutes.
Socceroos purists will be fuming that the home side are in yellow socks tonight, instead of the traditional white socks that have accompanied the home uniform since returning for the 2014 World Cup.
We are waiting on an explanation as to why this happened.
The Saudis are wearing a light uniform and white socks, the Socceroos in their gold top, green shorts and gold socks….which Vince Rugari is not happy about.
The crowd is sold out and we are underway at AAMI Park.
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