Live: Socceroos survive massive World Cup qualifying scare in frustrating 0-0 draw against Saudi Arabia

Socceroos coach Graham Arnold admitted to mixed emotions after his team survived a massive scare against Saudi Arabia in a scoreless draw in Sydney on Thursday that kept them in the hunt for automatic qualification for the World Cup in Qatar.

The Socceroos extended their unbeaten streak to eight games but conceded the initiative in the race for the top two spots in Group B to Japan, who beat China 2-0 in Saitama.

With just two games remaining, Australia are third in the standings on 19 points, two points behind Japan and three adrift of leaders Saudi Arabia.

The Socceroos dominated possession and territory against the Saudis but could not find a way through their stubborn defense.

Jamie Maclaren and Ajdin Hrustic both had chances to score in the first half but were denied by goalkeeper Mohammed Al-Owais.

The Saudis had a great chance to win it late in the game when Salem Al-Dawsari hit the post.

Arnold said he was pleased with his team's performance but frustrated by their inability to score.

"I thought we played very well," Arnold said.

"We created a lot of chances but we just couldn't put the ball in the back of the net.

"But we're still in the hunt and we're going to keep fighting until the end."

The Socceroos' next game is against Japan in Sydney on March 24.

They will then finish their qualifying campaign away to Vietnam on March 29.

The top two teams in Group B will qualify automatically for the World Cup, while the third-placed team will advance to the playoffs.