Image: Joe Castro/AAP

Saudi Arabia has ended the Socceroos’ hopes of automatic qualification into next year’s World Cup.

The Saudis upset Japan 1-0 early this morning to take top spot in Group B, pushing Australia into third spot.

The Socceroos’ 2-1 win over Thailand last night was not enough to overcome the goal difference.

Australia will now have to get through an Asian playoff, and will play Syria twice in early October.

The Socceroos dominated Thailand, but struggled to hit the back of the net.

Click PLAY above to hear Jon Anderson tell Ross and John about “the most frustrating 96 minutes in Australian sporting history”, and what happens next