Bahrain beat Oman 1-0 in World Cup qualifier

MUSCAT (Reuters) - Aala Hubail's goal early in the first half was enough to give Bahrain victory over Oman in their opening third round World Cup qualifier on Wednesday.

Hubail put the visitors ahead on 14 minutes and Bahrain held on for all three points to take second place in Group Two.

Japan lead the group after thrashing Thailand 4-1 in Saitama.

Bahrain have never reached the World Cup finals but came close three years ago when they were beaten in a playoff by Trinidad and Tobago for the 2006 finals in Germany.

(Writing by Martin Petty in Bangkok, editing by Clare Lovell)