Australia’s qualification for the 2008 Olympics has taken a blow after losing 2-1 to Saudi Arabia in Dammam this morning. The Olyroos played with a full complement of 11 players for just 60 minutes.

Newcastle Jet Mark Bridge opened scoring on 46 minutes before Saudi Arabia equalised from a penalty on 60 minutes through Jaffin Al-Bishi, and then taking the lead from open play on 66 minutes. Saudi Arabia's second goal was scored by Youssef al-Salem, following a long ball over the Olyroo defence.

Melbourne Victory’s Leijer - who was making his debut as skipper - was given his marching orders with a second bookable offence for fouling an opponent, which also resulted in the penalty being awarded.

As a result, Leijer will not be eligible to play in the side's next match against Iran. Furthermore, both Ben Griffin and Ruben Zadkovich will also be on the sidelines after both receiving a second caution for the campaign.

Australia are grouped with Saudi Arabia, Iran and Jordan and need to finish in the top two in order to reach the next stage of the qualification process. Coupled with this defeat; Iran defeated Jordan 3-0 overnight which now places Australia in third on goal difference. Australia were in second going into the round.

The Olyroos have two more matches still to play. They will meet Iran at Adelaide’s Hindmarsh Stadium on May 16 before playing Jordan in Amman on June 6.


Match Details:

Saudi Arabia 2 (Jaffin Al-Bishi 58’ pen, Youssef al-Salem 66’)

Australia 1 (Mark Bridge 46’+)

Australian line-up: Danny Vukovic, Ruben Zadkovich, Adrian Leijer, Ben Griffin (Peter Eleftherakis 60’), Nikolai Topor-Stanley, Stuart Musialik, Kristian Sarkies, Leigh Broxham (Adam D’Apuzzo 63’), Bruce Djite (Nathan Burns 80’), Mark Bridge, James Troisi.

Substitutes: Dario Vidosic, Troy Hearfield, Vince Lia, Tando Velaphi (gk)

Cautions: Leijer 8’, Griffin 40’, Zadkovich 56’, Leijer 58’, Musialik 70’

Dismissed: Leijer 58’

Referee: Ravshan Irmatov (Uzbekistan)