Brave Oman go home fighting

China - Oman's brave Asian Cup campaign ended in bitter disappointment here Wednesday when a 2-0 victory over Thailand was not enough to carry them into the quarterfinals. Oman, who had needed to register big win against the Thais while hoping for a Japanese victory over Iran in Group D's other match, were knocked out of the competition after the Iranians earned a 0-0 draw.

It was desperately hard luck on Oman, who had led Iran by two goals on Saturday before the Asian heavyweights and three-time champions fought back to salvage a controversial 2-2 draw.

Oman got off to just the sort of start they had been hoping for, taking the lead after only 11 minutes when Thailand striker Rangsan Vivatchaichok back-passed into his own goal past wrong-footed keeper Punuwat Tangunurat.

It was all one-way traffic thereafter, with the Omanis controlling the tempo and launching raid after raid deep in Thai territory.

But despite a glut of possession Oman were unable to add to their lead. Striker Imad Ali, who had netted twice in last week's draw with Iran, found the target frequently but Punuwat was equal to the challenge.

In fact with better finishing Thailand might have ended the half on level terms, but Sarayoot Chaikamdee squandered a glorious chance when one-on-one with Oman keeper Ali Al-Habsi.

Courtesy of Borneo Bulletin