Australia end Saudi Arabia's WC hopes

Australia scored three goals in three minutes in a second-half burst to beat Saudi Arabia 4-2 in Melbourne on Wednesday and dash the Middle Eastern country's hopes of qualifying for the 2014 World Cup finals in Brazil.

Saudi Arabia took a 2-1 lead deep into the match at the AAMI stadium courtesy first-half goals by midfielder Salem Aldawsari and striker Nassir Al Shamrani, but were deflated by a 73rd minute strike by Harry Kewell.

Then Alex Brosque and Brett Emerton scored in quick succession before the 76th minute.

Saudi Arabia needed victory to guarantee their passage to the fourth round of the Asian regional qualification with Oman winning their match 2-0 at home to Thailand on Wednesday.

Australia, placed on top of the group, were certain to progress to the final stage of qualifying regardless the result of the match.