• 
• 

Published on July 9, 2007

An upset appeared on the cards after Oman's Badar al-Maimani put his side in front on the half-hour mark. The Middle East team frustrated their illustrious opponents with a gritty performance and were just seconds away from clinching what would have been a big upset only for substitute Cahill to save his side's blushes with literally the last kick of the game.

Despite having spent the previous two weeks in Singapore to acclimatise, Australia, mostly comprising European-based players, apparently looked uncomfortable in the tropical weather. Oman, who were far more comfortable in the surroundings, took charge in the early phases of the match and got the reward they deserved when al-Maimani slammed home even though Australia's keeper Mark Schwarzer got his hand to the ball. Reeling from the blow, Australia were unable to string their play together. Luck and superb saves from Middlesborough custodian Schwarzer helped them not to fall further behind.

Having watched his side frustrated by Oman for large periods, Australia coach Graham Arnold breathed a huge sigh of relief when Cahill slotted home a rebound after Oman goalkeeper Ali al-Habsi spilled Parma midfielder Mark Bresciano's fierce long-range shot.

"Oman played well and the conditions were extremely humid. I'm relieved and disappointed. The last two games are really important," said Arnold.

"We should have started better. We let Oman dictate and gave them confidence from the start. The conditions are quite cruel in Bangkok."