A 73rd-minute Tim Cahill goal gave Australia a vital 1-0 win over Oman in an Asian Cup qualifier yesterday, boosting their chances of reaching the 2011 finals in Qatar.
Cahill was on hand at the far post to tap in a cross from Scott Chipperfield, flicked on by Josh Kennedy. It was the Everton midfielder’s 19th goal in 36 international appearances for the Socceroos.
The win lifted Australia off the bottom of Group B and onto level terms with Oman with four points from three matches. Kuwait and Indonesia face each other today in their third fixture, and have three and two points respectively. The top two teams qualify.
PHOTO: AFP
Australia entered the match with only one point from their first two games and a further loss yesterday would likely have left the Socceroos needing to win their last three games to qualify.
Australia had the best early chance, with a shot from veteran winger Harry Kewell tipped over the bar after only three minutes. A Cahill header in the 19th minute also went narrowly over the crossbar.
Oman had probably the best chance of the half after 26 minutes when Hassam al-Hasni had space at close range but shot too high while Ahmed Hadid’s free kick in the 36th minute was only just off target.
Kewell rifled a shot wide of the left hand post in first half stoppage time and Cahill had a chance to break the deadlock after 53 minutes but his shot went just wide.
Chances had begun to dry up through the middle of the second half and the midfields had become increasingly dominant until Cahill slotted home the winner.
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