MUSCAT: Oman progressed to the next round of the Socca World Cup 2024 following their crucial 3-1 win over Canada on Monday night at the Sports Makers Stadium at Oman Automobile Association (OAA).
The victory propelled Oman to nine points in Group A, ensuring direct qualification to the knockout stage as group leaders. Oman will face Qatar in their concluding group match on Wednesday, with the game scheduled to start at 8 pm. Oman lead the group with nine points from three victories against Italy, the USA and Canada. Qatar are in second place with seven points, while Italy are third with four points.
Faisal al Hadi opened the scoring for Oman in the 15th minute, putting the hosts ahead 1-0. Canada’s Goran Zivkovic was sent off in the 18th minute, reducing Canada to five men. In the second half, Motaism al Shamsi doubled Oman’s lead in the 22nd minute. Although Ryan Lindsay scored for Canada in the 35th minute to narrow the gap, Mahmood al Balushi sealed the win with a 37th-minute goal, concluding the game 3-1 in favour of Oman.
In other groups, Germany secured their place in the next round with a dominant 7-3 victory over Libya in Group B, finishing with nine points. Serbia are currently second in the group with six points.
Greece are leading Group C with five points, while Iraq and Cyprus are tied with four points each. Brazil are on top of Group D with six points after victories against Colombia (3-0) and Egypt (2-1).
Poland and Türkiye are co-leaders, both with six points, in Group E. Mexico and Albania share the lead with six points each in Group F. Uruguay are topping Group G with six points, while Croatia lead Group H with seven points, followed closely by Hungary with five points.
The competition is heating up as teams gear up for the knockout stages, with Oman looking strong to continue their campaign.
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