The result keeps Australia top of Group B after three games, collecting four points from away trips to Saudi Arabia and UAE, but clearly standards have been raised.

The hosts opened the scoring inside five minutes through Taisir Al Jassim, before Australia hit back courtesy of Sainsbury’s header just before half-time.

Kruse set up Tomi Juric to put Australia ahead in the 71st minute, but Saudi Arabia levelled eight minutes later through Nasser Al Shamrani.

“It’s disappointing in the end,” Kruse told Fox Sports. “We got the second goal which was a well-worked goal.

“To concede a sloppy one like that, when we should’ve kept control of the match a bit better.

“The crowd got into the game as well, they got a bit of a second wind.

“It’s disappointing, it feels like a loss but we look forward now to Japan.”

Sainsbury echoed Kruse’s sentiments after the final whistle.

“I don’t think we’ll be too happy with ourselves when we analyse that game,” Sainsbury told Fox Sports.

“We conceded in the first 10 minutes, we didn’t counter-act that pressure that was coming on us, especially from their forward line.

“To concede that late as well, after getting the go-ahead, it hurts.

“It feels like a loss as well because I think we deserved to win that game and take three points.”

Sainsbury added: “Seven points from three games is nice, but nine points would be a whole lot better.

“There’s still a lot of positives to take from that game.”

Kruse refused to blame the warm conditions for Australia’s draw despite players appearing to fatigue.

“We don’t want to use the weather as an excuse,” Kruse said.

“It’s difficult, it feels like a sauna out here. It’s part of the qualifying campaign.

“You come to these difficult countries in Asia. It’s always a grind.

“We managed to get a deserved win in UAE, unfortunately today we couldn’t hold out which is disappointing.”

Australia plays Japan next in Melbourne on Tuesday night from 8pm AEDT.

“It’s a massive game. We needed to get the three points tonight to give us some breathing space,” Kruse said.

“We don’t fear japan, they’re a good side, we respect them.”