Goals from Ahmed Mubarak Obaid and Juma Darwish helped Oman down Jordan 2-1 on Tuesday in a World Cup qualifier, significantly improving its chances of reaching the 2014 tournament in Brazil.
After a scoreless first half, Saad Suhail's cross landed near Obaid, who broke the deadlock in the 62nd minute. Darwish doubled the lead in the 82nd after receiving a cross from the right and tapping the ball into the net. Jordan's Thaer al-Bawab pulled a goal back in the 90th.
The home side's win was unexpected as it had been last in Group B before Tuesday's match. Jordan, by contrast, was coming off an upset win over Australia. Oman and Australia both have five points, five behind leader Japan. Jordan has four points.
''It was a tough match and I am happy,'' Oman coach Paul Le Guen said. ''The win means a lot as it keeps us in the race for a berth in Brazil.''
Jordan coach Adnan Hamad criticized the Bahraini referee, saying his team played well but was undone by several bad calls.
