Quatar hit three past Oman to put pressure on China for top spot

Qatar trounced Oman 3-0 yesterday to put pressure on leaders China in World Cup Asian qualifying group B.

The visitors started strongly, controlling midfield, and their precision passing caught out Oman's defence when striker Waleed Rasoul tapped in the first goal in the 26th minute.

Qatar skipper Mubarak Mustafa added the second seven minutes later and Mohammed al-Enazi's drove home the third goal in the 76th minute.

The win gave second-placed Qatar eight points from five games, two points behind China who have a match in hand, and left Oman bottom of the five-team group.

Saudi Arabia, spurred by three first-half goals, routed Bahrain 4-0. to go top of Group A.

Saudi striker Obaid al-Dousari put his side ahead in the 26th minute and Abdullah al-Shaihan added the second two minutes later.

A powerful shot by Abdullah al-Waked extended the lead in the 40th minute and Sami al-Jaber added the fourth goal a minute before the end.

Saudi Arabia, who sacked Yugoslav coach Slobodan Santrac after a 2-0 defeat by Iran, now have 10 points from five games. Bahrain, who draw 0-0 with Saudi Arabia in Riyadh, remained in third place with six points from five games.