Australia have begun the final round of 2014 World Cup qualifiers with a 0-0 draw with Oman in Muscat.
The Socceroos kicked off their Group B fixtures by grabbing a point away from home against a plucky Omani outfit who were not devoid of scoring chances themselves.
Mark Schwarzer came up with a smart save to deny Amad Al Hosni in the 56th minute whilst his counterpart Ali Al Habsi was also at his best to thwart the likes of Carl Valeri, on two occasions, and David Carney.
The draw was not ideal for Holger Osieck's men as Japan now sit five points clear on top of the table after their 6-0 victory over Jordan to add to their winning opener over Oman last weekend.
Australia meet the Blue Samurai in Brisbane on Tuesday whilst Oman turn their attentions to Iraq in Doha on the same day.
