Oman too good for India

India's hopes of making progress through the qualifying stages of the 2006 World Cup, to be held in Germany, suffered a huge jolt as they went down 1-5 to Oman in front of a packed house at the Jawaharlal Nehru stadium in Kochi on Wednesday.

At half-time, Oman led 2-1, in the Asian Zone Group III clash.

Oman drew first blood in the 12th minute through Amad Ali Suliman but India restored parity two minutes later through Rendey Singh after Baichung Bhutia won a penalty from the Malaysian referee.

But that was all India could manage as Oman were propelled to a big win by four more goals, from Ahmed Mubarak (26th, 52nd minutes) and substitute Mohamed Mubarak (59th, 82nd).

India, who had beaten Singapore in their first match, now travel to Japan in June to take on the Asian champions.

Oman, enjoying a clear upper hand, attacked right from the kick-off and scored goals seemingly at will. The vistors could have won by a bigger margin had their strikers displayed better marksmanship.

The day was certainly not India's, as they fumbled with erratic exchanges down the midfield, failed to control the ball and were easily tackled by the tall Oman players.

Oman, ranked 69th to India's 140 in the latest FIFA rankings, got off to an aggressive start with forwards Fouzi Bashir Rajab and Ahmed Mubarak breathing down the rival area and troubling the Indian defence with pace and superb ball control.

The visitors worked up different patterns that caught the Indian defence napping. After fumbling once, Oman struck in the 12th minute through Amad Ali, who leapt high to head in a free-kick taken by Hassan Yousuf.

However, India restored within two minutes through a brilliant counter attack. Captain Bhutia, who got possession of the ball sped into the box dodging past a couple of defenders, but was brought down by Oman defender Mohammed Noobi.

Malaysian referee Denny Ong Heng had no hesitation in pointing to the penalty spot and mid-fielder Renedy Singh converted the kick much to the delight of the over 40,000 spectators who thronged the stadium.

Oman increased the pace of the game and almost clinched the lead, but Ahmed Mubarak's fierce drive from close range was neatly fisted out by goalkeeper Sangram Mukherjee, who otherwise had a miserable day in office.

The 'keeper should take most of the blame for allowing the visitors to score the second and third goals that took the game away from India's reach.

India fell back 1-2 when Ahmed Mubarak's firm drive slipped into the goal evading Mukherjee, who reacted a trifle late.

The Indian defence also stood exposed as Mubarak was left free inside the box and he promptly latched on to a Fouzi Bashir Rajab's high cross and scored.

Soon, India got another chance to draw level but wasted the opportunity as Renedy Singh, who scored the winner against Singapore, was slow to react to a through pass from Climax Lawrence.

After the breather, Oman quickly went 3-1 up courtesy another mistake by the Indian custodian.

After advancing through the right, Ahmed Mubarak scored with a probing long ranger from a few yards outside the box and Mukherjee was again caught napping.

Mohamed Mubarak, who came on as substitute, scored in the 59th and 82nd minute to complete the rout.