Iraq survive Oman onslaught to reach quarter-finals

BANGKOK, July 16 (Reuters) Iraq reached the Asian Cup quarter-finals for the fourth time in row after holding spirited Oman to a goalless draw in their final Group A match today.

Iraq topped the group with five points but could easily have lost the game after surviving a relentless wave of Omani pressure that could have cost them a place in the last eight.

Oman needed victory to stand any chance of going through and came out all guns blazing.

They spurned countless chances but could have won the game a minute from time when Younis Al Mushaifri's header whistled past the post with the keeper beaten.

Iraq will play Group B runners-up Vietnam in Bangkok on Saturday, while Australia's 4-0 drubbing of Thailand earned them a quarter-final against Japan in Hanoi.

REUTERS BJR KN2217