Saudi Arabia grabs crucial points in World Cup qualifying clash

Nawaf Al-Abid scores Saudi Arabia's winner. (SPA)

JEDDAH: Saudi Arabia started their World Cup qualifying attempt with a winning start on Thursday beating Thailand with a late penalty in Riyadh.
After a lacklustre first half, the Saudi team ended the game strongly. After Fahad Al-Muwallad was fouled in the area, Nawaf Al-Abid converted from the spot in the 84th minute to give the kingdom a crucial 3 points in a group that features the likes of Australia and Japan. The Aussies had a comfortable 2-0 win over Iraq, while Japan were defeated by the United Arab Emirates 2-1.
As they sit joint top of their group, Saudi Arabia will play Iraq on Tuesday evening and meet the group favorites Australia in October seeking to bolster their chances to go to Russia in 2018.