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E-mail Xinhua, September 5, 2024
Bahrain scored a late winner here on Thursday to stun Australia in the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier.
Australia defender Harry Souttar deflected a shot into his own net in the 89th minute to hand Bahrain a 1-0 win over the Socceroos in their opening game of the 2026 FIFA World Cup Asian qualifier third round.
It marks the first time that Bahrain have beaten the Socceroos, with Australia having won all six previous matches between the two men's national teams.
The Socceroos had 71 percent of possession in front of a sellout crowd of 24,644 people at Robina Stadium in the northeast state of Queensland, but were unable to create clear-cut chances as Bahrain absorbed the pressure.
In the 89th minute, Bahrain left-back Abdulla Al-Khalasi was played through on the wing and sent in a cross that was deflected in by Souttar.
It came 12 minutes after Australia striker Kusini Yengi was shown a red card for a high challenge on Bahrain defender Sayed Baqer.
The Socceroos had been undefeated in qualifying for the 2026 World Cup heading into the game as they seek to reach a sixth consecutive World Cup. Bahrain have never reached the World Cup.
Speaking to Australian host broadcaster Network 10 after full time, Australia head coach Graham Arnold described the game as frustrating.
"We've got to learn from these types of games," he said.
"We had the chances to put the ball in the back of the net, if you put one in against these nations they tend to fall apart a bit more but we didn't do that and kept them in the game."
Australia will next play Indonesia in Jakarta on September 10.
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