Australia 2 - Oman 1

Commiserations to the Oman team.

However, to play on the world stage, I believe that accurate feedback is the only way to improve. I've already seen and heard people saying, oh, it was a great effort, only lost by a goal.

Except that doesn't really quite paint the whole story, does it?

To say that Oman had a 1 man advantage for 75 minutes of the game, yet failed to capitalize on that advantage speaks volumes. The only goal Oman scored was a result of that 15th minute penalty which netted them the advantage and a goal from a penalty kick.

Oman's strikers clearly need some practice, they must of had a dozen shots at goal, mostly in the second half, yet failed to score - mind you, goalkeeper Mark Schwarzer pulled off some incredible saves. Whereas Australia, with 1 man down, not only replied to Oman's opening goal, but clinched it with a goal in the 82nd minute.


There was also the incident with some local supporter who clearly threw (thanks anon!) his toys out of the pram and resorted to throwing a firework onto the pitch in a presumed attempt to wound/injure some of the Australian players. The question must be asked - how, exactly, did the firework get into the stadium? Seeing as the stadium security will not even let you bring cigarettes (and quite rightly so) or even water (wtf?). Not only do they not allow you to bring water in, they also do not have water for sale in the stadium. Immensely stupid, especially given the heat here. I remember at the Gulf Cup hearing of people collapsing from dehydration in the stands.

All in all, a bit of an embaressment for Oman really - the strikers should all be reprimanded for their terrible accuracy. I wonder how the local press is going to spin this? :)

Well done Australia!