World Cup qualification hopes of Saudi Arabia have been hit by a 2-1 loss to the United Arab Emirates in 2018 World Cup Group B qualifier on Tuesday.
Saudi head coach Bert van Marwijk said the defeat left his side with “a chance, but a very little chance” of returning to the global tournament for the first time since 2006.
“I know that losing is a part of the sport, but for me, this is the most disappointing moment of the past two years, from the beginning till now,” the Dutchman told a post-match news conference, reported by Reuters.
“In one game, we threw almost everything away with an unnecessary loss in Australia, and now we have another unnecessary loss.”
Saudi Arabia are second in Group B but Australia now have a game in hand and is only behind van Marwijk’s team on goal difference.
Meanwhile, table toppers Japan, who hold a one-point lead in the group, will host third-placed Australia on Thursday.