Red Warriors suffered second successive defeat by the Socceroos

Oman team suffered their second successive defeat against a perfect Australia 3-1 in Doha late on Thursday.

At Khalifa International stadium, coach Branko Ivankovic’s men’s dream to end the crucial match on a winning note was dented by the Socceroos who extended their lead in the top by reaching nine points of group B for Asian qualifiers – Road to Qatar 2022. While the Red Warriors freezed in their three points in the fourth place.

Austrlia’s Awer Mabil put his team ahead in the ninth minute as he opened the account by continuing a super cross from Jackson Irvine returned from Oman’s defense.

Al Mundher al Alawi brought the match to the origin position as he netted the equaliser in the 28th minute with a strong ball controlled by him perfectly in the box and then hit it to the net.

The hosts represented by Martin Boyle managed to return the match to their side again as he netted the second goal in header three minutes later from second half start.

Australia’s substitute Duke confirmed ending the campaign on winning note after striking third goal in the dying minutes as he received a super pass from Fran Karacic.

Red Warriors missed many scoring attempts including Zaher al Aghbari’s chances in the first half. Al Mundher al Alawi rattled Australia’s goalkeeper Maty Rayan but missed the equalizer in the 64th minute. Ivankovic’s men pressed hard and in the 70th minute, Abdulaziz al Ghilani tried his luck but the ball went above the net. With the victory, the Socceroos recorded a step closer to their fifth successive attendance in FIFA World Cup- Qatar 2022.

Despite the defeat, Oman’s chances are still alive in the forthcoming matches as they will host Vietnam on Tuesday at the Sultan Qaboos Sports Complex while Japan will face Australia in a tight clash.

The Croation coach Branko Ivankovic said in the post match press conference that the top gap faced by the team is experience. “We have faced an experienced team and all the players are playing in the league weekly,” he added.

The 67-year-old congratulated the Australia team for the victory. “There were some mistakes during both halfs and this led to the opponent team leading in the game. Our focus is in the upcoming match and will do the level best to qualify from this stage. We are having a pool of talented and experienced players. I am fully trusted on them and will work to develop the weakness areas in order to win the next match,” he ended.