Japan are five points clear in Group C after four games with Australia, the Saudis and Bahrain all level behind them and in a race to take second spot.
The top two will seal their place at the 2026 World Cup in North America, with third and fourth going into another round of Asian qualifying.
The Socceroos face Renard's team today before heading to Bahrain next week.
"We expect a very energetic, determined side, maybe desperate to get a result," Popovic said of Saudi Arabia.
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Diese Geschichte stammt aus der November 14, 2024-Ausgabe von The Citizen.
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Kat is out of the bag at Kempton
Following an odds-on reverse on her seasonal debut, Kateira can reward those who keep the faith in the Racing TV Mares' Hurdle at Kempton today.
Roccapina to rescue bettors
It is rare to get a 10-race card for a midweek meeting, but that is exactly what will be confronting punters at Hollywoodbets Kenilworth tomorrow.
Cup Day TAB bets open
BETTING: TWO HUGE CARRYOVERS, THREE JACKPOTS AND TWO BIPOTS ON OFFER
Larsen is an ace tactician
Mamelodi Sundowns' 2-1 loss to Magesi FC in the Carling Knockout final will dominate headlines for the next couple of days with every critic pointing out where it all went wrong in the cup decider that was played in Bloemfontein.
Downs coach expects flak
Mamelodi Sundowns coach Manqoba Mngqithi expects more criticism to come in his direction after the 2-1 loss to Magesi FC in the Carling Knockout final on Saturday.
PRAISE FOR BOKS
RASSIE: HAPPY HOW SQUAD BOUGHT INTO STRATEGY
Cane leaves on a winning note
New Zealand saw off a battling Italy 29-11 on Saturday in their final match of the year as Sam Cane (above) was given a winning farewell to international rugby in Turin.
Scotland dash Aussie Slam hopes
Scotland captain Sione Tuipulotu scored a try against the land of his birth in a 27-13 win over Australia at Murrayfield on Sunday that dashed the Wallabies' dream of a Grand Slam.
Proteas women wilt in opener
T20I: BRAVE EFFORT BUT FAIL TO HOLD OFF ENGLAND
Odegaard having a huge influence
London Mikel Arteta said his Arsenal team \"flows in a different way\" when Martin Odegaard is playing after the Gunners crushed Nottingham Forest 3-0 on Saturday to end their winless run.