It could have been worse for Japan as Oman, ranked 55 places lower, saw a second-half penalty overturned by VAR after the referee initially pointed to the spot following a handball by Yuto Nagatomo.<\/p>\n
Japan has made six consecutive World Cup appearances, but Oman has never qualified. The Japanese enjoyed the majority of possession but struggled to create clear chances against their well-organized opponent.<\/p>\n
"It was a disappointing defeat," Japan coach Hajime Moriyasu said. "Now the focus is to bounce back to take three points in the next game."<\/p>\n
That comes against China on Tuesday while Australia faces Vietnam in Hanoi. Vietnam, playing for the first time at this stage of qualification, lost 3-1 to Saudi Arabia despite taking an early lead through Nguyen Quang Hai.<\/p>\n
The game in Riyadh turned after 55 minutes as Vietnamese defender Do Duy Manh was adjudged to have handled in the area and was also shown a second yellow card. Salem Al-Dawsari scored from the spot and soon after Yasser Al-Shahrani headed the host into the lead. The win was sealed with 10 minutes remaining as Saleh Al-Shehri fired home a penalty.<\/p>\n
In Group A, South Korea was frustrated after being held by Iraq to a 0-0 draw in an empty Seoul World Cup Stadium.<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
The host, aiming for a 10th successive appearance at the World Cup, was in charge for much of the game against the hard-working visitors but could not break the deadlock.<\/p>\n
Lee Jae-sung came closest, blasting over in the first half from close range after a goal-line clearance.<\/p>\n
Hwang Hee-chan, who recently signed with English Premier League team Wolverhampton, headed straight at the goalkeeper from a good position after the break.<\/p>\n
Iran boosted its chances of a third successive qualification campaign with a 1-0 win over Syria in Tehran. Alireza Jahanbakhsh scored the only goal just before the hour. The United Arab Emirates drew 0-0 with Lebanon in Dubai.<\/p>\n
The top two from both six-team groups qualify automatically for next year's World Cup. The third-place teams meet in a playoff and the winner then faces an opponent from another confederation.<\/p>\n
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