MUSCAT: The head coach of Oman national football team, Branko Ivankovic, affirmed that Oman’s technical performance in Japan and Saudi Arabia encounters ensure that Oman can challenge any top team in Asia.
“Despite the defeat against Saudi team, the players showed very top game. We delivered solid display and the result was not fair to us. Missing scoring attempts cost us dear and we should learn from this match,” he said in the post-match press conference.
The Red Warriors missed out closely in their home match by a 1-0 margin against Saudi Arabia on Tuesday in the second match for both teams in Group B of Asian qualifiers, Road to Qatar.
Saudi’s prolific scorer Saleh al Shehri awarded his team the second successive victory in style. The Sultanate were very close to snatch a draw at least as Oman striker Abdulaziz al Muqbali missed a golden scoring attempt in the dying minutes of the clash.
Commenting about Oman’s forthcoming match against Australia on October 7, the Croatian coach said: “I would prefer to play with Australia in Doha or Dubai to avoid long travelling hours and time difference. However, we are ready to travel to Sydney city in case the match will be held in Australia,” he said.
The 67-year-old added in his remarks that there is a noticeable development in the performance level of the national team. “Thanks to all the Omani fans who attended the match and I apologise to them for the result. We will do our best in the forthcoming match. The target is to accomplish a good result,” he ended.
Oman players will take rest for seven days ahead of having another gathering to gear up for the third match in the Asian qualifiers. Oman will face Australia on October 7 while they will host Vietnam at Sultan Qaboos Sports Complex on October 12.
EXPERIENCE HELPED US: RENARD
On the other hand, Saudi Arabia head coach Herve Renard congratulated his players for the victory. “As I expected, the match was difficult for both teams. We managed through players’ experience to snatch the winning points and special thanks for our goal owner Saleh al Shehri for his amazing goal,” he said.
The French coach affirmed that his team was balanced in all the lines. “I read Oman team carefully. We did not attack every time to avoid creating spaces for the hosts. Oman players were perfect in long balls and the strikers were fighting in the box. They might had scored from any chance. Oman team has developed a lot since Branko Ivankovic was appointed as head of the technical staff,” he added.
With end results of second round of Group B matches, Oman are in third place with three points while Australia are leading the group by six points thanks to China and Vietnam games. Saudi Arabia are second with the same points with less goal difference than the group toppers. Japan are in fourth place with three points. Vietnam and China are placed in fifth and sixth spots respectively.
Oman Observer is now on the WhatsApp channel. Click here
