Australia's World Cup nightmare has come true after Saudi Arabia's 1-0 win over Japan denied the Socceroos direct qualification and forced them down the arduous intercontinental play-off route.
The Socceroos needed a big favour from Japan — either a win or a draw in Jeddah on Wednesday morning (AEST) — to bail them out of trouble after Tuesday night's hollow 2-1 victory over Thailand in Melbourne.
But substitute Fahad Al-Muwallad's 63rd-minute goal for Saudi Arabia capped off a frustrating night for Ange Postecoglou's men, who will have to do it the hard way to ensure a place at Russia 2018.
The Socceroos, who lost only one match during the qualification stage, finished level with Saudi Arabia in the Asian Football Confederation's Group B on 19 points.
But Saudi Arabia secured direct passage through to the Russia because of a superior goal difference, finishing second on the standings behind Japan.
Australia now faces two difficult home-and-away ties — the first against war-ravaged Syria, who was third in Group A, in October — to book a spot at a fourth straight World Cup.
The winner of that play-off will go on to battle North and Central America's (CONCACAF) fourth-placed qualifier in November for a spot at the global showpiece.
Should the Socceroos get past Syria their CONCACAF opponent is likely to be either Panama, Honduras or United States.
"If there was a more one-sided contest, I don't think I've ever seen it," Postecoglou said following the Thailand encounter.
"Forty-five shots; 20 odd inside the box, three posts; one cleared off the line. The goalkeeper's pulled off some great saves.
"Usually when the evidence is so overwhelming, you get the rewards. Tonight we didn't."
Despite an incredible 45 shots on goal, the Socceroos could not find the margin against Thailand at AAMI Park that would have seen them overtake the Saudis on goal difference.
If the Socceroos had scored four or five goals against Thailand, the Saudis would have needed a two or three-goal victory over Japan to reach Russia.
Saudi Arabia does enough to seal Socceroos' fate
The Saudis took a while to find their groove but an inspired change at the break from coach Bert van Marwijk changed the game.
Al-Muwallad was brought on up front for Mohammad Al-Sahlawi and forced a terrific save from Eiji Kawashima shortly after his introduction, then blasted home a shot from close range just past the hour mark.
It relieved palpable pressure among the 60,000 screaming fans at the King Abdullah Sports City who were hoping to see their side qualify for their first World Cup since 2006.
Japan, who qualified with last week's 2-0 win over Australia, had nothing left to play for but often looked the better side and had two certain goals cleared off the line before Al-Muwallad's opener.
But Japan could not produce an equaliser, consigning the Socceroos to a third-placed finish in Group B and piling even more pressure on Postecoglou's shoulders.
"I've been sitting here frustrated for the last two years, listening to some of the garbage being thrown around at these players," Postecoglou said before the Saudi Arabia result.
"It's tough qualifying for a World Cup. It's even tougher when it's your first one.
"We've played 10 games and lost one. They've done everything I've asked of them."
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