Saudi Arabia must win their head-to-head match on Tuesday by five clear goals to qualify, while Palestine, Oman meet for second-chance spot

Australia’s Connor Metcalfe has warned his teammates to avoid reacting to Saudi Arabia’s gamesmanship when the nations face off in Jeddah on Tuesday with automatic qualification for next year’s World Cup finals on the line.

Tony Popovic’s outfit go into the meeting at the King Abdullah Sports City with one foot on the plane to North America after a 1-0 win over Japan on Thursday bought the Socceroos breathing room in their quest for a place at the finals.

Despite that advantage, Metcalfe sought to ensure the Australians do not allow their focus to slip ahead of a crucial 90 minutes that will be played out in front of more than 50,000 fans and in stifling heat.

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