Popovic hails Aussie character in 'crazy' Bahrain draw

Australia coach Tony Popovic praised the character of his side after they rescued a precious point at the death in a "crazy" World Cup qualifying 2-2 stalemate in Bahrain on Nov 19.

The dramatic draw left the Socceroos second in Asian Group C behind runaway leaders Japan with four matches left and their fate in their own hands.

The top two go straight to the 2026 World Cup in North America. The third- and fourth-placed teams go into a further round of qualifying. But Australia are just a point ahead of Indonesia, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain and China, with all to play for.

Popovic's side took the lead after just 38 seconds in Riffa through Kusini Yengi, only for Mahdi Abduljabbar to strike in the 75th and 77th minutes to put Bahrain 2-1 ahead.

Portsmouth striker Yengi struck again in the 96th minute for what could be a vital point.

"Crazy game," Popovic said. "We showed a lot of character to come back and get an important point."