Popovic made three changes to the side that claimed a decisive 1-0 win over Japan in Perth on Thursday, drafting striker Duke, defender Jason Geria and midfielder Patrick Yazbek into his team as Ryan made his 100th appearance for his country.

Knowing they would qualify for the FIFA World Cup even if they were to lose by anything less than a five-goal margin, Martin Boyle was inches away from giving the visitors the lead in the 19th minute, the Hibernian winger dragging his attempt wide.

The Australians were to rue that miss moments later as the Saudis went in front. Al Dawsari tore into the left side of the penalty area before pulling the trigger on a strike that was deflected into the path of Al Obud, and he rolled the ball over the line.

Saudi Arabia almost added a second with 12 minutes left in the half when Musab Al Juwayr fired his shot over the bar from eight yards in a let-off for the Socceroos defence, who had failed to clear Ali Majrashi’s cross.

Any Australian jitters were calmed, however, with three minutes remaining in the half.

Duke’s hold up play allowed Metcalfe to run into space before the Machida Zelvia forward slipped the ball into his path and the Bundesliga-based midfielder slammed his shot past Nawaf Al Aqidi.