Oman revive quarter-finals hopes with victory against Mexico in beach Soccer

MUSCAT, FEB 18

Oman Beach Soccer team defeated Mexico 5-2 in the second match of the Fifa Beach Soccer World Cup 2024 in Dubai on Sunday to revive their quarter finals hopes. Talib Hilal’s men netted the first three winning points in the group after they lost their opener against the World Champions Brazil 5-3 in a tight clash.

At the Dubai Design District Stadium, Yahya al Murkhi put Oman in the lead in an early minute of the opening period while C. Castillo equalised the result for Mexico and managed to made it 1-1 before D. Martinez put the opponent Mexico ahead for the first time in the game through netting the second goal for this team in the beginning of the second period. Oman players pressed hard later to return the match to the origin point and meanwhile alive their hopes of progressing to the next round of the tournament. After a few attempts, Yaqdhan al Hindasi equalised for Oman and made the result at 2-2. Coach Talib Hilal’s battalion continued their top show in the game as Munther bin Hilal al Oraimi brought back Oman to the lead as he struck a third goal in style to end the second period with Oman leading by 3-2.

During the break, coach Talib Hilal’s instructions were clear to the players — to continue attacking and ensure claiming the victory. In the beginning of the third quarter, Yahya al Murkhi added another goal for Oman to raise the chances of Oman’s win as he put it at 4-2 before Oman’s captain Khalid al Oraimi raised the goal tally to 5-2.

In the opening match of the group D, Oman lost the game against Brazil despite a top show by Oman players. In the same group, Portugal thrashed Mexico 8-2. The hosts UAE and Italy confirmed their spots in the quarters after victories against USA and Egypt. Tahiti from group B booked their quarterfinals spot after they collected six points while Iran raised their chances to secure the second ticket from the group.

Oman will face former champions Portugal on Tuesday in a tight clash 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.