Iraq’s Alaa Abdulzehra (centre) dribbles past Oman’s Ahmed Mubarak (left) and Raed Saleh during their group B Asian zone qualifying match for the 2014 World Cup in Muscat, yesterday.
Muscat: Oman brightened their hopes of a maiden World Cup finals appearance with a 1-0 win over Iraq thanks to Ismail Al Ajmi’s first-half header in a Group B qualifier in Muscat yesterday.
Al Ajmi struck from a corner just before the break and Oman’s defence held firm in the second half to the delight of their fans at Muscat’s Sultan Qaboos Sports Complex.
The win took Oman up two places to second with nine points from seven games and one match left away to Jordan while Iraq remain bottom of the table with five points from six matches.
Asian champions Japan, who yesterday became the first side to qualify for next year’s World Cup in Brazil after a 1-1 draw at home to Australia, lead the group with 14 points.
The top two teams qualify directly for the finals.
“We’re not close to Brazil. We’re closer than we were a few months ago, but I think we have a chance for third place,” said Oman coach Paul Le Guen whose team have played a game more than third-placed Australia and Jordan who both have seven points.
“When you are coach of Oman you have to be realistic. Our league is not professional and we are in contention for third place with one game remaining,” added the Frenchman.reuters
