Australia beat Saudi Arabia to reach FIFA World Cup qualification play-off

Socceroos overcome Green Falcons in crucial clash

Hervé Renard's side unable to secure automatic spot in Qatar

Australia have taken a significant step towards qualifying for the FIFA World Cup in Qatar after defeating Saudi Arabia 1-0 in a pivotal Asian Football Confederation (AFC) third round qualifier on Thursday.

The victory at the Stadium Australia in Sydney means Australia have moved into third place in Group B, with only one match remaining against group leaders Japan.

The Socceroos' fate is now in their own hands, with a win against Japan in March guaranteeing them a place in the intercontinental play-off.

Saudi Arabia, who needed a win to secure automatic qualification, were left to rue missed chances as Australia's defense held firm.

The match was decided by a solitary goal from Awer Mabil in the 32nd minute, with the attacker capitalizing on a loose ball in the Saudi Arabia penalty area.

Saudi Arabia pressed for an equalizer throughout the second half, but the Australian defense held firm, with goalkeeper Mathew Ryan making a number of crucial saves.

The result means that Hervé Renard's side will now need to beat China in their final group match and hope that Australia lose to Japan in order to qualify for the World Cup automatically.

Australia will now face Japan in Sydney on March 24, while Saudi Arabia will travel to China on the same day.