Asian Cup round-up: Oman edges past Kuwait, South Korea stuns Australia

Sport360 staff 17:53 17/01/2015
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  • Abdul Aziz Al-Maqbali celebrates as Oman gets its first win in the Asian Cup since 2004.

    Abdul Al Maqbali struck with a second-half header as Oman beat Kuwait 1-0 in a dead rubber at the Asian Cup on Saturday, both teams already having been eliminated.

    – Asian Cup round-up: Japan down Iraq, Jordan defeat Palestine

    A scrappy encounter between the Gulf rivals appeared to be meandering towards the tournament's first draw before Al Maqbali pounced with a superb header to break the stalemate in Group A game with only pride at stake.

    It was Oman's first victory at the Asian Cup since 2004.

    Al Maqbali's goal briefly sparked the game to life and the striker could have snatched a hat-trick inside three minutes, first blazing wide on the volley and then seeing a header cleared off the line.

    Faisal Alenezi of Kuwait contests the ball with Raed Saleh of Oman.

    Their bags already packed having been beaten by Group A powerhouses Australia and South Korea, both teams were limited to speculative long-range shots in a first half offering very little for a crowd of 7,000 in Newcastle to get excited about.

    Abdullah Al Buraiki forced a superb save from Oman goalkeeper Ali Al Habsi before squandering a gilt-edged chance to equalise by nodding over the bar when it appeared easier to score.

    Fahed Al Ebrahim smashed wide for 1980 champions Kuwait, who huffed and puffed but with no end product as they failed to break an 11-match winless streak against Oman and finished without a point.

    Clinical South Korea stun wasteful Australia

    Kim Yong-Gwon of Korea and Kwak Tae-Hwi embrace after winning Australia.

    A razor-sharp finish from rookie striker Lee Jeong-Hyeop in the first half gave South Korea a 1-0 win over Australia on Saturday, ensuring they topped their Asian Cup group.

    Lee, playing in only his second match for the Taeguk Warriors, struck after 32 minutes to stun the Australians, who had dominated up until then and who created the lion's share of the chances in a blockbuster clash in Brisbane.

    The Socceroos should have at least salvaged a draw, but wastefulness in front of goal scuppered their hopes of topping Group A and puts them on a collision course with holders Japan if the teams make the semi-finals.

    The hosts now face the tournament's surprise package China in a quarter-final, also in Brisbane, on Thursday, while South Korea will take on either Uzbekistan or Saudi Arabia in Melbourne.

    James Troisi (C) of Australia fights for the ball with Han Kyo Won (L), Ki Sung Yueng and Kim Changsoo (R) of South Korea.

    Australia coach Ange Postecoglou made four changes from the 4-0 win over Oman, opting to leave Tim Cahill and Robbie Kruse on the bench, while his South Korea counterpart Uli Stielike made six to the side that beat Kuwait.

    In a match played in stifling heat, humidity and a plague of moths, the Socceroos missed the firepower of Cahill, Austalia's record goal scorer.

    Juric blew a great chance before Burns went close in the 70th minute after a mazy run, only for his shot to be tipped onto the bar by Kim Jin-Hyeon.

    Postecoglou finally threw on Cahill and Kruse with 20 minutes to go, but it was too little too late and the Koreans held on, the final whistle triggering a chorus of boos from a crowd of 48,000.

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