After dominating seemingly their entire proceedings of the Asian Cup Qualifier against Australia, the Oman players will be shaking their heads in disgust. Rightly so. How can a team have some nineteen shots at goal and only end up with one goal? Of course they were more than unlucky with a few unbelievable saves from Aussie shot-stopper Marky Schwarzer. But, when you’re playing a ten-man team, at home and with all the momentum, you simply have to do better if you want to establish yourself as a top-class Asian football nation.

Meanwhile, the Socceroos have some work to do before Africa 2010. It was a dogged display by the men in gold, and a game where many proved they have what it takes to ground out a result with backs against the wall. ‘Arry Kewell, Timmy Cahill and the Bresc were solid and Lukey Wilkshire was at his consistent best as usual. However, it was at the back where the problems were obvious.

Rhys Williams is a player with a bag of potential, and I think come the World Cup he’ll be on the plane to Africa. His early send off was perhaps harsh, but going by the book, the Chinese ref had no choice. But he needs further experience between now and then.

Although, it was the performance by the skipper which really had me worried come full time. He was sent on a chasing mission all night against a lightning quick Oman attack. In saying that though, it’s not like the Oman front line leads the world in attacking football. Lucas was simply lacking inspiration, something very concerning for the captain of your country. Usually Lucas would lead from the back, but he was surprisingly sluggish throughout the course of the game and at time just didn’t look match fit.

Perhaps it is that he has been lacking game time at new club Everton, or the fact that this was the first season he missed a ‘proper’ pre-season. Concerned? Slightly, considering we don’t normally concede so many chances on one game.

In saying this, I watched bits and pieces of the Oman v Brazil game, and the 2-0 victory to the South American’s was flattering to the Asian country. They barely had a sight at goal, and Brazil was always attacking.

So, what do we get out of this game? 3 points, a leadership-lacking captain and some real character. We’re looking decent for the World Cup, but we need to fine tune some areas. With Josh ‘Jesus’ Kennedy and Vince Grella still to return,  the future for Australian football is getting greener each day.

Cheers

(Ps. Bloody New Zealanders. Congrats. You will get destroyed in the Cup. And it will be a pleasure watching!)