This thrilling Gulf Cup of Nations match between Iraq and Oman unfolded on the 19th of January 2023, ended on a high note with a 3-2 victory for the home team.

Critically, the number of goals that Iraq scored was one of the key factors influencing the outcome of this game. All of Iraq's three goals came at pivotal moments in the match, with the first goal occurring early in the first half, which immediately put Oman on the back foot - setting the tone for the rest of the game. The final two goals were scored in the extended overtime during the second half, a clear indication of Iraq's persistence and fighting spirit.

However, it wasn't just their goal-scoring prowess that led Iraq to victory. Iraq also had fewer offsides than Oman, with a count of 3 against Oman's 5. Fewer offside calls indicate superior positioning from the Iraqi players, which could have resulted in a smoother flow of play and higher quality scoring opportunities.

As for ball possession indicators, Iraq was dominant in terms of corner kicks, with a count of 5 compared to Oman's 3. This criteria shows aggressive attacking play from the home team resulting in better scoring opportunities and hence, more goals.

While both sides kept the match relatively clean without any red cards, Iraq did accumulate more yellow cards, with four against Oman's three. This could indicate a more aggressive approach taken by the home team, using heavy-handed tactics to disrupt Oman's offense and control the pace of play.

On the other hand, Oman's resilience can't be overlooked as they were able to equalize in the last minute of the second half, forcing the game into overtime. Their second yellow card during overtime could be a sign of fatigue and frustration, ultimately, cost them the much-needed parity in the game.

Notably, the high number of yellow cards for both sides suggests a competitive and intense match. Both teams had a significant number of offences and infringements, indicating a higher amount of physicality and aggression on the pitch — which arguably enhanced the overall excitement and pace of the game.

In conclusion, Iraq's triumph over Oman in this match was largely due to the team's ability to maintain optimal positioning and employ aggressive tactics. With more goals scored, fewer offsides, and superior corner kick stats – all indicators of offensive potency, Iraq demonstrated a remarkable performance, outplaying their competitor while putting on a thrilling show for football fans.

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