MUSCAT: Oman started their Socca World Cup 2024 campaign on a high note with a 3-1 victory against Italy in the opening match at the Sports Makers Stadium at Oman Automobile Association (OAA). The win earned Oman three crucial points as they look to progress in the prestigious tournament.
Oman faced the US in their second group-stage match late on Saturday. Oman will meet Canada on Monday while they will conclude their group matches against Qatar on Wednesday. All the matches of the national team begins at 8 pm.
The Socca World Cup 2024 Oman kicked off on Friday night with an extravagant opening ceremony under the auspices of HH Sayyid Nadir bin Al Julanda al Said. The event was attended by Basil bin Ahmed al Rawas, Under-Secretary of the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Youth for Sports and Youth, along with other dignitaries and officials.
The ceremony celebrated Oman’s rich cultural heritage, featuring traditional dances, team entrances onto the pitch and the official declaration to commence the tournament.
The tournament saw intense competition from the very first day.
In the morning session, South Africa defeated Tunisia 6-2, while Pakistan secured a 3-0 win over Haiti. Serbia edged Libya in a close 3-2 match, and Iraq claimed a solid 3-0 victory over Kuwait. Brazil narrowly beat Egypt 2-1, while Germany dominated Bulgaria with a 5-0 win.
On Saturday, Qatar defeated Canada 3-0, while Iran and Ireland played out a 2-2 draw while Albania claimed a 2-1 win over Australia.
As many as 40 teams from around the world are attending in the prestigious event.
The hosts, Oman, were grouped in pool A alongside teams with America, Italy, Canada and Qatar. Group B comprised teams from Germany, Bulgaria, Georgia, Libya and Serbia, while Group C featured Greece, Belgium, Cyprus, Kuwait and Iraq.
Brazil lead Group D, along with Egypt, Ireland, Colombia and Iran. Group E consisted of Poland, France, Türkiye, Pakistan and Haiti, while Group F featured Mexico, Latvia, Albania, Peru and Australia. Group G included Kazakhstan, England, Romania, Uruguay and Sudan and Group H featured Croatia, Hungary, Argentina, Tunisia and South Africa.
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