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Qatar and Oman drew 0-0 in an Asian World Cup qualifying group B match on Thursday played in hot and humid conditions.

In the opening game in a group that also includes China, United Arab Emirates and Uzbekistan, Qatar created the best chances, striker Mohammed Al Enazi hitting the crossbar three times in the first half, but could not unlock Oman's resolute defence.

"My players were not serious enough today. They played half-heartedly. They should played like a team, like a unit. I think Oman's forward line played high quality football," Jamal Haji, Qatar's Bosnian-born coach, told Reuters after the match.

"The Oman team plays well as a team," he added. "And that was the difference between the two teams. My boys did not play well as a team."

Oman's German coach Bernd Walter Stange, who has been in charge of his side for only six weeks, was pleased with his players' performance.

"We consider ourselves the dark horses of this group," he said. "I am a relieved man that we have managed to draw with Qatar, who are a very strong team at home.

"To play Qatar and earn a draw is not easy. My boys showed great agility in tough playing conditions. I am very happy with this draw. We did not give Qatar any free points from this match."

Four Qatari players and two from Oman were shown yellow cards.

Qatar's next game is on August 28 against Uzbekistan, while Oman play China at home on August 31.