DOHA: Branko Ivankovic, Oman's national football head coach, has affirmed that he will not change his philosophy or the playing tactic against Thailand on Sunday. The Croatian Branko battalion will chase up for their first victory in the Asian assignment after the shock 2-1 defeat in the previous round against Saudi Arabia last week.
This came during the press conference held on Saturday at the media centre of Qatar Asian Cup 2023, which continues until February 10.
Red Warriors will fight it out with Thailand today in the second match.
"It is expected that the match against Thailand will be important and difficult. We are keen to come out with a positive result that revives our hopes of reaching the last 16. We proved against Saudi awesome capabilities and potential," says the coach.
The former Iran head coach confirmed that he will continue applying the same technical philosophy and playing method against Thailand. "I respect all the rivals at the end and look to register a positive result that will live our hopes in the Championship," he said.
"We always instill a winning culture and a mentality among players to make them more passionate. I am confident that the players will deliver their best show to make Oman’s fans happy by recording positive results that meet the ambitions and aspirations of the sports community," he added.
On the other hand, Branko denied receiving official offers from Iranian clubs on the sidelines of the tournament. He cleared saying, "It is not true about the existence of official negotiations between me and an Iranian club official. On the contrary, I am a professional football coach and I respect my contract which is still valid with the Oman Football Association until the end of January", he pointed out.
Oman’s football star, Salah al Yahyaei, urged the Omani fans to support and assist in the upcoming match against Thailand at Abdullah bin Khalifa Stadium, at Al Duhail Club, in the the second round of the group F of AFC Asian Cup Qatar 2023.
Salah commented by saying, "We hope that Omani fans are present to support us in the awaited match with Thailand."
"We have to be united more than ever, and the Saudi match has become a past one. We are confident the Thailand match will be different, and we are looking forward to achieving the victory", he ended
Fully prepared
On the other hand, Masatada Ishii, head coach of the Thailand team, said "Oman is a distinguished team in the midfield and has a strong offensive line as well, but whatever it is, we are fully prepared to fight, regardless of how difficult it is. But the match represents an extreme importance and a top priority for us".
The football match history between Oman and Thailand began 36 years ago, in the 18th edition of the King’s Cup of Thailand in 1987, when they lost to Thailand by two goals. Later in the 19th edition, they lost again by 3-1.
The teams also played two friendly matches in 2019 and 2021, with both ending on a winning note for Oman.
On the continental level, they have played eight matches, two in the Asian Games, four in the World Cup qualifiers, and two in the Asian Nations Cup.
In the past 12 matches, Oman won six times while Thailand won five games and one match ended at a goalless draw. Oman had managed to score 11 goals compared to 12 for the opponent.
Iranian referee Moaz Fanadifar will officiate the match while Saeed Qassemi will be the first assistant. Ali Reza Eldrum is the second assistant and the fourth referee will be Ali Reza Faghani. Muhammad Abdullah Hassan from UAE, the umpire, will be the VAR referee.
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