MUSCAT: After registering a thrilling 1-0 win over Japan on Thursday, Oman team players are back to the training ground to gear up ahead of the forthcoming fixture against Saudi Arabia on Tuesday at Sultan Qaboos Sports Complex. The training sessions are underway at Seeb Stadium under the watchful eyes of the experienced Croatian coach Branko Ivankovic.
The national team players had the second training session with full of enthusiasm and excitement on Saturday night. The ‘Red Warriors’ are eagerly eyeing to capture the sixth point in Saudi’s fixture to compete at the top of the group B of the deciding round of the qualifiers of the 2022 Fifa World Cup and 2023 AFC Asian Cup.
After conclusion of the first round matches of group B, Australia is leading the group with three points after trashing China 3-0 while Saudi Arabia is placed in second position with the same amount of points as they won Vietnam 3-1. The Sultanate team is in third place with three points due to goal difference. Japan, Vietnam and China are in the bottom of the group with no points.
The coaching staff led by Branko Ivankovic worked on developing different technical sides including some improvement on the weakness areas in the previous match and enhancing the strength sides. Also, the head coach and his assistant team are focusing on diversifying the creation of scoring attempts, smooth passes and quick movement to the opponent’s side beside other tactical practices. All of our players are fit and raring to go forward in the deciding round of the qualifiers of the 2022 Fifa World Cup and 2023 AFC Asian Cup. All the assisting factors are behind the national team players including return of the fans to the stadium after long absence to support the players during the crucial encounter.
On the other hand, the Saudi Arabia team’s delegation will arrive in Muscat on Sunday night. The team, coached by French Herve Renard, will resume the training sessions on Monday at the Sultan Qaboos Sports Complex. Saudi’s players delivered top show against Vietnam despite leading of latter’s team.
On Monday, the technical meeting and press conference will take place on Monday. Both coaches, Branko Ivankovic and Herve Renard, beside one player from each team, will elaborate on the team’s readiness for the match.
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