(Sports)Australia dominate 1st half of Asian Cup match against Oman

Australia looked headed for the quarter finals of the Asian Cup after leading Oman 3-0 at half time after a game which started evenly but then ran away from the Middle East team in the final 20 minutes of the first half.

Oman showed plenty of bustle in defense in the opening 10 minutes, and cracked the Australian defenders but could not get the ball past Socceroo goal keeper Matthew Ryan.

The first goal of the match came in the 26th minute with a cross to Australia's Matt Sainsbury in the Oman box.

He headed the ball onto mid fielder Matt McKay's right boot, who slotted it into the net.

Three minutes later mid-fielder Massimo Luongo sent a perfect pass to Socceroo teammate and forward Robbie Kruse who blasted the ball through Oman's keeper Alhabsi's hands.

Television commentators felt the respected Alhabsi was having an off game, as he missed defending several near misses.

In the 46th minute Australia scored an almost comical third goal.

Australia was swarming the Oman box and mid fielder Mark Milligan potted a clean goal.

But an Australian attacker had been bought down in the box, and referee Ryujo Sato of Japan ordered a penalty instead of playing the advantage.

Socceroo stand in skipper Tim Cahill handed the ball back to Milligan who then kicked the penalty into the net. Endi