Oman advances to Gulf Cup semi-finals after drawing of lots over Iraq

Oman advanced to the semi-finals of the Gulf Cup after being selected ahead of Iraq through a drawing of lots, according to the BBC.

The unusual method of advancement was used after Oman and Iraq finished level on the relevant tiebreaker criteria in their group, forcing organizers to resort to a lots draw to determine which side would progress.

The BBC's report did not specify the exact tiebreaking rules that led to the drawing of lots, nor the final group standings or scorelines that produced the deadlock between the two teams.

The Gulf Cup is a regional football tournament contested by national teams from the Gulf region, and Oman's progression sets up further matches in the tournament's knockout stage.