BANGKOK, July 8 (Reuters) - Tim Cahill scored in stoppage

time to earn Australia a 1-1 draw against Oman in their opening

Asian Cup match on Sunday.

Cahill saved Australia's blushes when he slammed the ball

into the back of the net after Oman had threatened to pull off

a major upset against the tournament favourites.

Oman, who are 26 places below Australia in the world

rankings, led for almost an hour after Badar Mubarak had

capitalised on some sloppy Australian defending to score in the

first half.

Oman missed another three clear scoring chances in the

second half before Australia's late equaliser left all four

teams level in Group A following Thailand's 1-1 draw with Iraq

on Saturday.