10 Man Socceroos Slay Oman

November 14, 2009

Before I put my two cents worth in for the Socceroos last night, can I extend a congratulations to the New Zealand football team; affectionatley nicknamed the All Whites, in qualifying for their first World Cup since 1982 overnight? Speaking on behalf of all Australian fans, we experienced the same tension and euphoria in 2005 having jumped through similar hoops against Uruguay to battle out the 0.5 spot up for grabs. The brains trust and I watched the game with about 50 Kiwis in a Sydney beachside pub and the scenes of joy felt eerily echoed the exploits of Australia four years ago. Hopefully, the Kiwis can capitalise on this manical wave surging over the land of the long white cloud and enter a new renaissance of football appreciation and participation like their neighbours across the Tasman.

But back to the matter at hand, Australia has come from a goal and player down to put Oman to the sword 2-1 overnight in Muscat.

Experimenting with the in form Harry Kewell up front and the suprise inclusion of Boro defender Rhys Williams, the Socceroos found themselves in a real pickle 15 minutes into the match when the aforementioned defender clumsily bumped into the back of Omani striker Emad Al Honsi in the box. Due to Williams being the last man in defence, Chinese referee Sun Baojie felt he had no choice to send him off and award a penalty.

Kahlifa Ayil converted from the spot, but only after goalkeeper Mark Schwarzer deflected the first attempt and forced the Omani to be Johnny on the spot and place it the back of the net second time around.

The Socceroos replied with 2 minutes left in the first half, with Luke Wilkshire bundling in a cross from Marco Bresciano.

The Omanis launched a counteroffensive in the second 45 minutes, trying to capitalise on their numerical advantage and vocal home crowd. Close range saves from Schwarzer and last minute defence from the likes of Wilkshire and Craig Moore kept the contest alive for the visitors.

When all seemed lost, the Socceroos made the Omanis pay with an unlikely winner against the run of play.

Subsitute David Carney made a run down the left wing and whipped a cross for Brett Emerton to slam past the near right post on the half volley into the net for the eventual winning goal.

The match ended under tense circumstances after a firework was thown from the crowd at the direction of David Carney after a sideline altercation with Omani defender Mohammed Al Balushi.

The Socceroos now top Group B of Asian Cup qualifying on 7 points, 3 clear of Oman and play Kuwait in Kuwait City next January.

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