Australia ended Saudi Arabia's World Cup qualifying campaign with a burst of three second-half goals in four minutes in a comeback 4-2 win on Wednesday. Saudi Arabia entered the game in second place in Group D, but the loss, combined with Oman's 2-0 win over Thailand, meant it dropped down to third while Oman progressed to the fourth round of Asian qualifying, according to a report of the Associated Press. Australia was already assured of a place in the next stage and top spot in the group, entering the Melbourne match with a six-point lead. Nassir Al Shamrani gave the Saudis a 2-1 just before halftime but his missed chance from in front in the 72nd proved to be costly as the Australians replied immediately with three quick goals. Salem Al Dawsari opened the scoring for Saudi Arabia in the 19th minute before Alex Brosque equalized for the hosts in the 43rd. Nasser Al Shamrani put the visitors back ahead in first-half stoppage time. However he spurned a good chance in the 72nd minute, and that was the cue for Australia's victory. Japan-based Brosque provided the last pass for Harry Kewell's left-footed equalizer in the 73rd, making it 2-2. Brosque scored again in the 75th and Brett Emerton made it 4-2 with a sliding goal a minute later.
