Fayez saves keep Oman hopes in tact

ABU DHABI, JAN 14 - Goalkeeper Fayez al Rushaidi as well as defenders worked hard to deny any supremacy for mighty Japan despite their narrow 1-0 win over Oman, courtesy a penalty decision.
Oman head coach Pim Verbeek was still positive after the Red Warriors’ second defeat in a row in the AFC Asian Cup 2019.
“We fought really well. But Japan was the better team on the day,” the Dutchman said.
Uzbekistan also progressed along with Japan to the last 16 stage from Group F after their 4-0 thrashing of Turkmenistan late on Sunday.
Oman’s hopes now will be to become one of the four best-placed third place teams among the groups. For that they have to beat Turkmenistan first hand with a good margin in order to take stake for the qualification.
At the Zayed Sports City Stadium on Sunday, Japan edged Oman through a 28th minute penalty from Genki Haraguchi.
“The penalty could have been a 50-50 decision. But it was not in our favour. We respect the referee’s decision,” the veteran coach said.
Raed Saleh’s attempt to clear the ball near Oman penalty area resulted in a foul on on-rushing Genki and Malaysian referee Mohammed Amirul Izwan pointed to the spot.
“Japan had many chances in the first half. Our goalkeeper Fayez was excellent under the bar to save many attempts by the Japanese players.”
“Our defenders also worked hard to prevent the Japan players,” Verbeek said. The Oman coach said the Sultanate side has valiantly performed against four-time winners Japan, who have at least nine players featuring with European clubs.
“We were competitive enough against Japan with many World Cup players.” The Dutchman said Mohsin al Ghassani, who replaced Khalid al Hajri in the forward line-up for the starting eleven, had a decent game.
“Mohsin tried hard and had a close miss in the 20th minute too.”
“In the second half, he lost energy towards the end and Khalid was brought in to give fresh energy for the team in the front,” Verbeek said.
“Japan had the experience to defend their 1-0 score and our players were tired in the end. But we never allowed another goal and credit to the boys.”
On the next match against Turkmenistan, the coach said Oman will continue their quest for a win in the tournament.
“We are disappointed now with another close defeat. We will come back strong in the coming days and prepare for a final shot for a victory against Turkmenistan,” he concluded.

MORIYATSU RELIEVED

Japan coach Hajime Moriyatsu expressed satisfaction and relief after the tough win against Oman.

“We knew that Oman will pose a stiff challenge to us. We created our chances in the game but could not finish with goals. The penalty helped us win the game,” he said.

The Japan coach said the penalty decisions are part of the game in reply to a query on the referee rejecting a plea by Oman after a handball by Japan inside their penalty area.

A shot by Oman’s Salah al Yahyaei towards the goal touched Japanese defender Yuto Nagatomo’s hand in the final moments of the first half.

Moriyatsu said Oman players defended very well and the goalkeeper saved many of their shots.

“We are happy to qualify to the next round. We will focus on our next matches to score more goals and remain in contention for the ultimate prize,” he added.