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The Roar

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Socceroos draw 2-2 with Oman, save 2014 World Cup campaign

Australia's Tim Cahill (left) reacts to a call made by referee Ravshan Irmatov during their 2014 FIFA World Cup Asian Qualifier match against Oman. (AAP Image/Paul Miller)
26th March, 2013
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The Socceroos have avoided an embarrassing loss at home to Oman after a long distance Brett Holman strike gave Holger Osieck’s side a 2-2 draw at ANZ Stadium.

After going down 1-0 inside ten minutes, the Socceroos found themselves 2-0 down shortly after half time when Mile Jedinak inexplicably turned the ball into his own net.

Tim Cahill gave the home side hope three minutes later, scoring a trademark header to bring the crowd of 34,603 to life.

Osieck made several changes and the Socceroos continued to press as time ran out, but looked unable to breach the Omani rearguard until Holman’s beat Ali Al Habsi with five minutes remaining.

The draw moved Australia to six points from five matches in Group B of the 2014 FIFA World Cup Asian Qualifying.

Australia’s next group game sees the side facing a difficult trip to Japan to face the group leaders, before home fixtures against Jordan and Iraq to round out their eight matches.

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