15 Nov 2009

Socceroos beat Oman, one step closer to 2011 Asian football cup

6:35 am on 15 November 2009

A Ten-man Australia fought back from a goal down to beat Group B rivals Oman 2-1 to edge closer to qualification for the 2011 Asian Football Cup.

Blackburn Rovers midfielder Brett Emerton drilled in a half-volley with eight minutes to go to complete the comeback by the Socceroos after the hosts had squandered a number of good chances in Muscat.

Oman took a 17th minute lead after Australia defender Rhys Williams was shown a red card for bringing down Fawzi Basheer in the area.

Khalifa Ayil had his spot kick saved by goalkeeper Mark Schwarzer but made no mistake with the rebound.

Oman had chances to stretch their advantage with Mohammed Albalushi and Hassam Al Hosni going close before Australia midfielder Luke Wilkshire popped up to convert a cross from Mark Bresciano just before halftime.

More chances came for Oman in the second half but Schwarzer kept them at bay until Emerton fired the winner.

Australia lead the group with seven points from four games, three ahead of Oman.

The top two in the group qualify for the finals in Qatar.