Muscat, Sept 19
Veteran coach Jaroslav Silhavy had cited the “anger and aggression” shown towards him by critics and fans when the team failed to win matches, for his decision to quit as the Czech Republic coach in 2023.
The 62-year-old’s next stint was with Oman, who parted ways with long-serving Croatian coach Branko Ivankovic after a dismal performance in Asian Cup 2023.
On Thursday, the Oman Football Association announced the dismissal of Silhavy after coming under pressure from the fans and soccer pundits with defeats in Oman’s first two matches of 2026 World Cup Qualifiers.
Faced with a similar situation in 2023 with the Czech national team, Silhavy was quick to relinquish his role with the Oman team.
Experienced national coach Rasheed Jaber was named as new head coach as Oman are in the middle of the World Cup Qualifiers with GCC team Kuwait, their next opponent at home on October 10.
Though obliging to the fans’ sentiment, the OFA faces a major challenge as there are six matches still to go in the qualifiers.
RECOVERY
The Czech assumed his role with the OFA in February and guided Oman through to the third round of the Asian Qualifiers.
Silhavy monitored Oman’s recovery in Round 2 of the Asian Qualifiers with back-to-back wins against Malaysia that helped them reach the next stage.
Oman, however, found the going tougher in the AFC Asian Qualifiers — Road to 26, losing their opening two fixtures in Group B.
The first loss against Iraq in Basra was deemed as a match that the Red Warriors at least deserved a draw. The second at home was against the mighty South Koreans who were desperate for a comeback after their lackluster draw against Palestine in Seoul.
Oman had high expectations for their first home match, but things didn’t turn out their way at the full-capacity Sultan Qaboos Sports Complex.
Led by Premier League superstar Son Heung-Min, the Taegeuk Warriors were on their money right from the start as Red Warriors had to wait until the 30th minute to make some impact in the game. Although Oman withstood some dangerous attacks in the beginning — courtesy goalkeeper Ibrahim al Mukhani’s saves – South Korea were not to be stopped from taking an early lead in the 10th minute.
The early goal stunned the Omani fans but they were back on their feet when Oman struck the equaliser in the added time of the first half.
Silhavy tried several substitutions but captain Son put South Korea in lead in the 82nd minute while Joo Min-Kyu netted the third goal for them in the 11th minute of added time.
AMBITIOUS
The OFA, who had shown remarkable patience with Ivankovic after a series of several quick sackings earlier, could not wait for long after the two close defeats in the 2026 Qualifiers.
Silhavy, who had led his country twice to the Euro finals, also readily agreed for an exit with mutual consent.
One of the key drawbacks faced by the Red Warriors recently were the shortage of good strikers and playmakers in the squad.
New coach Jaber faces a daunting task of overhauling the current team with new talents from the domestic leagues.
And it remains to be seen about the team’s fortunes in making their first ever appearance at the World Cup, expanded to 48 teams in the 2026 edition in Canada, Mexico and the United States.
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