Oman reached the Gulf Cup semi-finals after a drawing of lots placed them ahead of Iraq, following a 3-1 win over Kuwait. The unusual tie-break decided which side progressed after both finished level on four points and could not be separated by the tournament’s other criteria.

Organisers said the teams were level on head-to-head results, goal difference, goals scored and disciplinary points. Oman’s Musab Al-Shaqsy had been booked for removing his shirt during a goal celebration, but the card count still left the sides tied, so officials drew lots in front of representatives. The article notes that lots have also decided group positions at past World Cups and the 2015 Africa Cup of Nations; FIFA replaced the method after the 2022 World Cup with world rankings.