MUSCAT: A gritty Oman gave the five-time World Champions Brazil a scare before going down 5-3 in a Group D game in the Fifa Beach Soccer World Cup 2024, at the Dubai Design District Stadium on Friday. In the same group, Portugal outclassed Mexico 8-2 to claim its first victory at the same venue. The large triumph took Portugal on top of group D with three points in goal difference with that of Brazil who positioned in second place with the same credit. Oman and Mexico are placed in the third and fourth places respectively with no points till now.
In the group D opener, Edson Hulk confirmed the victory for Brazil as he scored the fifth goal to seal the first victory for his team. Oman’s Abdullah al Souti took the lead very early in the game as he netted the opening goal in style. Edson managed to return Brazil to the match as he equlaised and a few minutes later Mauricinho made it 2-1. Oman’s Abdul Rahman al Fazari missed a golden opportunity after he missed a penalty corner. Al Fazari came strongly and compensated with striking the equlaiser to make the result 2-2.
Later, Brazil players pressed hard towards Oman’s goal side as they managed to score two goals through Diogo Catarino and Rodrigo. Oman’s Capitan Khalid al Oraimi reduced the goal gap as he struck the third goal for the national team. Later, Oman played with one man less after Abdullah al Souti received the red card. This allowed the opponent to score one more goal through Edson to end the match at 5-3.
Despite the defeat, Oman’s stars produced an excellent show against the top world ranking players.
Oman will take on Mexico on Sunday at 5:00 pm. Coach Talib Hilal's boys will aim to claim the first winning points to revive their hopes in the Beach Soccer World Cup. In the concluding match of the group stage, Oman will face former champions Portugal on Tuesday at 5:00 pm.
Oman heroes will aim for the first time to move into the second stage of the world-class Beach Soccer event as the top two from each group will move to quarterfinals on February 22 while semifinals will take place on February 24. The third and fourth play-off and the final are scheduled for February 25.
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