Late goal saves Australia from humiliating defeat to Oman

Australia's poor start to World Cup qualification continues

Tim Cahill pulls a goal back for Australia against Oman in a World Cup qualifier (GETTY IMAGES)

Australia were forced to come from two goals down to keep their bid to reach a third successive World Cup finals just about on track with a 2-2 draw against Oman in an Asian qualifier at Sydney's Olympic stadium today.

The visitors stunned the 34,603 crowd by taking a 1-0 lead through Abdul Aziz Mubarak in the sixth minute and doubling it courtesy of a Mile Jedinak own goal four minutes after the break.

Forward Tim Cahill cut the deficit with a trademark header on 51 minutes, however, and midfielder Brett Holman equalised with a 25-metre strike five minutes from time.

The draw means Australia and Oman are locked together on six points, seven behind runaway Group B leaders Japan, one ahead of Iraq and two clear of Jordan, who meet the Japanese later on Tuesday. The top two qualify for Brazil in 2014.

Reuters