Tom Rogic was the star man as Australia drew 2-2 against Saudi Arabia in Jeddah.
The draw keeps both teams at the top of Group B with the Socceroos ahead on goal difference.
Having drawn away from home against one of their main group rivals Rogic’s side will be looking to lay down a statement of intent on Tuesday when they host Japan, who are a point behind behind alongside the UAE.
According to the match report on the Football Australia website: “Whilst not at their regal best, the Caltex Socceroos pushed the Saudis back with Celtic’s Tom Rogic a constant threat down the middle.
“It was Rogic who set up central striker Juric who put the ball into the net but it was adjudged offside.
“Just before half time Brad Smith’s surging run and shot was the best chance for the Australians. However, two minutes later Aaron Mooy directed a perfect corner onto the head of Sainsbury who guided it home to send the teams into the break on level terms.
“Matt Leckie was close to a goal attempt after a low cross from Juric was intercepted by keeper. But the crowd lifted when Nasser Al Shamrani was injected as a substitute for the Saudis.
“The Earthquake” had an immediate impact. Matt Spiranovic with blocking defence inside the box to keep the home side out as the Saudi striker’s presence was felt immediately.
“But it was sublime Rogic again, this time playing through Robbie Kruse down the wing and his low cross was met by Juric who guided the ball home from in front of goal.”
After the match Aussie boss Ange Postecoglou: “Obviously not getting off to an ideal start didn’t help (Taisir AL-JASSIM opened the scoring in the fifth minute). They came out of the blocks pretty quickly but we worked our way back into the game really well.
“And we looked in control and once we got the second we should’ve maintained that. We lost our composure a bit a couple of times and they came into as well with a big crowd behind them. It’s a good point but you just feel we could’ve got more out of it.”
Rogic was replaced by Jackson Irvine in the 85th minute.