Mali set up Oman clash

By Sports Reporter — MUSCAT: Jan. 22 - Mali held Qatar goalless to set up a quarterfinal date with Oman in the second CISM World Cup on Saturday. At the Seeb Sports Stadium, both the teams tightened their defences and the match often became rough with tackles. From Qatar, Moussa (23rd minute), Mamadou (45th minute) and Salif (78th minute) received yellow cards. Dasilvs got one yellow for Mali in the 68th minute. In the second match at the same venue, Poland thrashed Canada 6-1 but missed out on quarterfinal spot from Group D as close contenders Egypt booked the berth after a goalless draw with Syria.

Four Syrian players got yellow cards, while three Egypt players were also booked in the tough tussle. Syria qualified as group winners with 7 points — two wins and a draw. Egypt finished the group matches with 5 points with one win and two draws, while Poland ended with 4 points. Poland had one win, one draw and one loss. Poland had lost to Syria 1-0. Egypt beat Canada 4-0 and drew with Poland (1-1) and Syria (0-0). Syria will play against Germany in the quarterfinal, while Egypt take on Algeria.

THUMPING WIN FOR IRELAND

In an inconsequential match, Ireland thumped USA 6-1 at the Sultan Qaboos Sports Complex in Group C. Qatar topped the group with 7 points, while Mali took the second spot with 5 points from the Group C. For Ireland, Derek (15th and 60th minutes) and Reky (50th and 58th minutes) netted a brace each. Kreag found the target in the 84th minute, while Sian completed the 6-1 rout with a goal in the 90th minute. Gezoz scored a consolation goal for USA in the 85th minute.

Ireland finished campaign with 4 points, while USA failed to earn a single point. At the Seeb Stadium, Canada was at the receiving end as Poland netted 6 goals against one by Canada. For Poland, Kosinski (12th and 31st minutes) scored a brace. Ulman (40th minute), Zeno (73rd), Wachowiak (80th) and Zeno (90th minute) were the other scorers for Poland. Canada’s lone goal came from Stephen in the 28th minute. Canada finished their campaign with no points.