It was a familiar script. Another poor start from the Socceroos. Another game where they fell behind to an inferior opponent, came to life in the second half and salvaged something in the end.
But how many times do we have to be subjected to this? A performance marked by indifferent passing, poor movement and one-way thoughtless football?
HolgerOut is a hash-tag that is getting a workout. But the players themselves have to take some responsibility for this.
The first 45 minutes was one of the worst the cross-happy Socceroos have dished out in a long time.
The second 45 was a marked improvement, and the legendary fighting spirit was there in abundance again, but it just wasn’t enough.
Spirit and the ability to fight isn’t what’s required at this level, you need a lot more than just that to win games.
The Socceroos went behind to a soft goal in the seventh minute. It was a huge shock as it was Oman’s first attack.
A ball was played through and Thwaite was beaten in a foot race, with Al Miqbali smartly tucking it past Schwarzer on the right side.
But this didn’t wake Australia up, and their slumber continued until half-time. While they dominated possession, hardly any clear-cut chances were created as the Socceroos relied too often on hopeful crosses.
The second half was an improvement. But things got even worse on 49 minutes. An innocuous ball was played across the Aussie goal and Jedinak, under no pressure, flung out a leg and knocked the ball past Schwazer.
An own goal to make it 2-0. The football gods can be cruel.
But finally, the Socceroos sprang to life. Kruse, arguably the best Aussie player on the right, won a corner after a mazy run and the goal machine that is Timothy Filiga Cahill popped up to head the ball home. 2-1.
On came Bresciano for a short cameo, he would go off with injury soon, but the Socceroos started to play brightly, more positively. Bresciano was then forced off and Oar came on, and he also had a good impact.
The pressure built on the Omani goal and Holman pulled a goal out of the bag. 2-2. The Socceroos kept pushing but the three points wasn’t to be.
Australia got out of jail, in a way, but the vital win couldn’t be claimed.
All of the Socceroos interviewed after the match admitted they didn’t follow the game plan. They didn’t move the ball quick enough and their movement was too slow. “Disappointing” was the word trotted out.
Disappointing it was, in front of just under 35,000 fans. A smallish crowd for a biggish occasion.
The Socceroos were expected to waltz this victory in by many, and perhaps the players believed it. This wasn’t a performance of bite, skill and enthusiasm until the Socceroos were two goals down in the second half.
It was one that was pedestrian and shoddy. You simply can’t keep relying on fighting back from a goal or two behind to win matches. Eventually your luck will run out.
Osieck made some interesting decisions. No Oar, Bresciano or Rogic in his starting 11. A centre back pairing or Thwaite and Cornthwaite. McKay at left back. Holland and Jedinak in the middle.
Some clearly didn’t work. We lacked creativity and were too deep in midfield. Two central holding midfielders was not the way to go.
The class of a Bresciano, Oar or Rogic was missing from the opening whistle to play the right kind of passes, get forward and build attacks.
Brett Holman was rusty, and it showed, but he kept trying and scored a crucial goal to make it 2-2. Tim Cahill was immense, as always.
This man is the Socceroos. His forehead should be insured, such is its value to the national team. Without him we are a shell.
Oman’s Wigan keeper Al Hasbi was outstanding. He is a great keeper and had a fantastic game. The less said about the rest of the Omani team, the better.
They played well, at times, and took their limited chances but their feigning of injury and time-wasting was woeful.
So where to now?
To Saipan for a crucial encounter with Japan. Heaven help us. In this form, we will be spanked.
The Socceroos always seem to get up for big games, for top notch opponents. They seem to play better against great teams than against mediocre ones, when they can claim the underdog status.
You also can’t fault their ability to fight until the last second. Let’s hope that’s the case against Japan.
A draw against Oman does not mean Australia’s 2014 World Cup tilt is over. We are still tied on second place in the group at this stage. We have three games left, with two of those at home.
But there are worrying signs and now, the margin of error, has gone. No more mistakes, no more slip-ups.
Let’s pray the Socceroos can turn it around in June.
Follow John Davidson on Twitter @johnnyddavidson
Are you the ultimate team manager? Pick your own superstar team and go head to head with other football fans for glory and cash prizes on Draftstars. Imagine what you could be buying instead. Set a deposit limit.
Socceroos forward Kusini Yengi scored two goals before Nestory Irankunda added the icing on the cake as Australia posted a 5-0 World Cup qualifier…
Australia's performance was marred by poor crosses and finishing, in difficult conditions, with Graham Arnold's charges instead scrapping out a frustrating 2-0 win.
Teen sensation Nestory Irankunda will make his hotly-anticipated Socceroos debut in Australia's World Cup qualifier against Bangladesh. Coach Graham Arnold confirmed 19-year-old Irankunda would…
The Socceroos sit poised to cruise through the second round of Asian Confederation World Cup qualification over the next seven days, yet it is…
Graham Arnold is set to break bread with Nestory Irankunda after handing the prodigious teenager his first Socceroos call-up for World Cup qualifiers. Irankunda…
Morocco is not the only nation to find success with a large contingent of foreign-developed players - and the Socceroos can join that list.
