Renard struck a hopeful tone after Saudi Arabia kept their hopes alive with a 2-0 win against Bahrain on Thursday.

 

"The door is almost closed but we must try and qualify," said the Frenchman, who admitted his side lack a cutting edge in front of goal.

 

Saudi Arabia have only managed six goals from nine matches and need to have their scoring boots on if they are to stand a chance of qualifying automatically.

Australia, meanwhile, are on the verge of qualifying after overcoming a slow start that saw the departure of Graham Arnold with Tony Popovic taking over as head coach.

 

"We need to do a job in Saudi (Arabia). We're in a great position but we have to finish it off. It's been a really intense period since I've come in but everyone's embraced what we're aiming to do," said Popovic.

Venue: King Abdullah Sports City Stadium (Jeddah)

Kick-off: Tuesday, 21:15 (UTC+3)