Drawing of lots sends Oman through to Gulf Cup semis
Oman edge into the semi-finals of the Gulf Cup but they do so in extraordinary fashion after they are picked ahead of Iraq in the drawing of lots.
The Gulf Cup's semi-final draw featured Oman securing a spot through an unprecedented method - the drawing of lots. The tiny Gulf state triumphed over Kuwait with a 3-1 scoreline, propelling them past Iraq in the crucial tie-breaker round. Oman and Iraq had equal points and identical records to advance to the semis, leading to the lots being drawn as the final tie-breaker.
The decision was made following stipulated selection criteria which included head-to-head results, goal difference, number of goals and disciplinary card points. Oman's Musab Al-Shaqsy became the subject of the final criterion when he received a yellow card for removing his shirt during celebrations against Kuwait. Despite this, Oman secured the spot, joining Iraq in the semi-finals.
This scenario echoes previous instances of lot draws - the 2015 Africa Cup of Nations and the 1990 World Cup. The Oman draw occurred after lots were replaced by FIFA world rankings in the 2022 World Cup.
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