Oman drawn in 'Group of Death' with Brazil, Italy and El Salvador
Muscat: Oman have once again found themselves in a daunting group at the FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup, as the draw for the 2025 edition in Seychelles on Friday placed the Asian Cup runners-up alongside defending world champions and world No.1 Brazil, European heavyweights and world No.2 Italy, and CONCACAF champions El Salvador in Group D.
Set to take place from May 1 to 11, the tournament marks Oman's sixth appearance at the global showpiece, and they'll be hoping to reach the knockout phase for the first time – a feat that has remained elusive despite some spirited campaigns in the past.
Oman head coach Talib Hilal acknowledged the steep challenge ahead, but remains optimistic.
In his exclusive remarks to Times of Oman from Seychelles on Saturday, Talib, who has been the national coach for the past 18 years, said: 'This is not new for us. In the last four World Cups, we've always been grouped with either Brazil or Portugal. This time, instead of Portugal, we face Italy, another top team. It's not an easy group. With full respect to El Salvador, who are also a strong side, we will give everything to compete against Brazil, the world champions, and Italy, one of Europe's best.'
The Omani side recently fell to Iran 8-1 in the AFC Beach Soccer Asian Cup final in Pattaya, Thailand – a match that ended their impressive run in the regional tournament. Despite the final setback, Oman showed grit throughout the campaign and qualified as Asian runners-up.
Veteran player Mandher Al Oraimi, a key figure in the squad, echoed the coach's sentiments on the draw. Al Oraimi said: 'It's a tough draw given that we'll face the world champions Brazil and the last World Cup's runners-up Italy, but we will fight to advance to the knockout phase for the first time,' he said.
Tough history, steely resolve
In their previous five appearances, Oman have consistently found themselves in difficult groups. Yet they've managed to win at least one match in each of their last four tournaments. Their most notable result came in 2021, when they stunned eventual semi-finalists Senegal 3-2 in Russia.
At UAE 2024, they beat Mexico 5-2 and pushed both Brazil and Portugal to the limit before losing narrowly – 5-3 to Brazil and 3-2 to Portugal.
Group D this time is considered the 'Group of Death', with world's top two teams, Brazil, Italy, along with El Salvador, and Oman all having significant international experience and quality players.
Brazil are the reigning champions and boast stars such as Catarino, Rodrigo, Mauricinho, and Bobo. Speaking after the draw, Catarino said: 'Our group is really strong. We know the teams we're going up against collectively and individually. We're really motivated. Every game will be a final decided by small details.'
Italy, runners-up in 2024, will renew their fierce rivalry with Brazil in the group stage. Italian forward Josep Jr said: 'I believe that, of the four groups, ours is the most difficult. Brazil are the reigning champions and the big favourites. Oman have qualified for several World Cups and have some quality players, especially their captain Khalid Al Oraimi. El Salvador are CONCACAF champions and have players active in many international competitions. This is truly the group of death.'
El Salvador, ranked 16th, famously eliminated Italy in 2011 and finished fourth that year. Their coach Rudis Gallo said he respected all his group opponents. He said: 'Brazil are a power. We played them in Russia. We played well and we hope to do even better this time. Oman are a good team. Italy are very strong. We know what our opponents are capable of, but we trust in our work and our players.'
Other groups also promise drama. Group B features former champions Portugal, in-form Iran, and Paraguay, who recently beat Brazil in the Copa America group stage. Debutants Mauritania aim to surprise after finishing runners-up in their first CAF Beach Soccer AFCON.
Group C is stacked with seasoned performers like Spain, Tahiti, and Senegal, while hosts Seychelles will be eyeing a competitive debut in Group A against Japan, Guatemala, and Belarus.
Despite the daunting challenge ahead, Oman's journey to Seychelles 2025 is filled with belief and resilience. Coach Talib summed it up best: 'We have faced giants before, and we've earned their respect. We'll be ready.'
The official draw took place in Seychelles on Friday with 16 nations divided into four groups:
Group A: Seychelles, Belarus, Guatemala, Japan.
Group C: Spain, Senegal, Chile, Tahiti.
Group D: Brazil, El Salvador, Italy, Oman.
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