Bahrain stun 10-man Australia in World Cup qualifier

Socceroos’ hopes of automatic qualification suffer blow after 1-0 loss in Manama

Australia’s hopes of securing the one automatic qualification spot for the World Cup from Asia suffered a huge blow as they lost 1-0 to Bahrain in Manama on Tuesday.

Craig Goodwin struck the only goal midway through the second half to give Bahrain a famous win, after Cammy Devlin had been sent off for a second yellow card just before half-time.

The result leaves Australia third in Group B, two points behind second-placed Japan and six adrift of leaders Saudi Arabia with just four games remaining in the final round of qualifying.

Australia had started brightly with Goodwin hitting the post after just 10 minutes and Jackson Irvine forcing a good save out of Bahrain goalkeeper Sayed Shubbar Alawi within 60 seconds of the restart after the break.

But Bahrain grew into the game and Abdulla Yusuf Helal lifted the ball over the bar when clean through on goal, before the hosts took the lead in the 65th minute.

Goodwin found space on the right flank and cut inside before firing a low shot into the bottom corner past goalkeeper Maty Ryan, who could only get a hand to it.

Australia pushed for a leveller but they could not find a way through and ultimately paid the price for Devlin’s needless dismissal.

The midfielder was given his marching orders for a second yellow card in the 43rd minute after a rash challenge on Ali Haram, which left Australia with an uphill task for the remaining 52 minutes.

The defeat is a major setback for Australia’s World Cup hopes, but they will have a chance to get back on track when they host Vietnam in Melbourne on March 24.

Key Points:

• Australia lost 1-0 to Bahrain in Manama on Tuesday.
• The result leaves Australia third in Group B, six points behind leaders Saudi Arabia.
• Craig Goodwin scored the only goal of the game in the 65th minute.
• Cammy Devlin was sent off for a second yellow card just before half-time.
• Australia had started brightly but Bahrain grew into the game.
• The defeat is a major setback for Australia’s World Cup hopes.