Oman sneak another point

Oman have grabbed another home draw, this time against Iraq, who like the Socceroos needed a spot kick to level the result.

Oman have grabbed another home draw, this time against Iraq, who ike the Socceroos needed a spot kick to level the result at 1-1.

Defender Mohammed Al Balushi had opened the scoring for Oman with an eighth minute header only for Mahmood to net his seventh goal of the qualifying campaign from the penalty spot eight minutes before half-time in the Qatari capital.

The stalemate is Oman-s second consecutive draw in Group B after bouncing back from their 3-0 opening day defeat by Japan with a goalless draw against Australia on Friday, while Iraq are also winless in the final round Group Stage having drawn 1-1 with Jordan at the start of June.

Iraq are next in qualifying action against unbeaten Group B leaders Japan on September 11, while Oman have to wait until October 16 to entertain Jordan..

"I'm happy that we got a point from such a hard away game," said Oman coach Paul Le Guen.

"We are still in competition and I congratulate the players for this result because we were under a lot of pressure in the three matches that we have played in the competition.

"We still have a long way to go and hopefully we can finish at least third in the group to battle for a place in the 2014 World Cup."

Iraq coach Zico, was not as pleased with his side though.

"I'm not satisfied with the result as we were hoping to get a win from the match," said Iraq coach Zico.

"It was a hard match for both teams, but they failed to create good chances on the night and we failed to win."