Red Warriors gear up to battle S Korea in WC qualifiers
MUSCAT: Red Warriors are underway in their daily training sessions in Goyang City in South Korea under the watchful eyes of experienced national head coach Rasheed Jaber. The team will conduct their third straight training session at the Goyang Stadium on Tuesday ahead of their crucial AFC Asian of the World Qualifiers — Road to 26 against the hosts South Korea on Thursday.
The Oman team delegation arrived in Seoul city on Friday and six days in advance for the encounter in order to ensure the team's adaptation to the climate and time change of five hours compared to Oman.
The team will conduct their third straight training session at the Goyang Stadium on Tuesday.
During the last two training sessions, coach Rasheed and his assisting team worked hard to finalise the starting line-up of the team including the suitable player who will cover the absence of experienced midfielder Harib al Saadi, who will not be available for Thursday's clash due to yellow cards. Oman's two professional players including Mohsin al Ghassani of Bangkok United SC and Issam al Subhi (Iraqi Air Force Team or Al Quwa Al Jawiya) joined the team's training sessions. Rasheed will study several proposals for covering the centre of the middle line after Harib's absence by adding Abdullah Fawaz and Arshad al Alawi.
Despite the difficulty of South Korea assignment, the runner-up of last edition of the Gulf Cup in Kuwait are in perfect shape to impress in Goyang City. Oman's striking line-up features top stars including Mohsin al Ghassani, who impressed in the Thailand league besides Issam al Subhi, who shined in the recent Gulf Cup. Seeb star Abdulrahman al Mushaifri delivered top show in the last few matches with his team at AFC Challenge Cup and with the national team too. Al Munthir al Alawi and Salah al Yahyaei are back to the national team squad with top records after an absence for a while and this will give a good motivation for the team to bounce back strongly in the qualifiers.
Coach Rasheed
The Red Warriors target is to secure positive results in the upcoming two matches against South Korea and Kuwait on Thursday and Tuesday respectively to boost their chances of securing direct or indirect slots for the World Cup qualification. The first two teams in each group of the Asian qualifiers will secure direct spots while third and fourth place will enter additional qualifying stages.
Oman are currently placed fourth in Group B, with six points from two wins and four defeats. South Korea are topping the group with 14 points while Iraq are second with 11 points. Jordan are in third place with nine points.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Observer
10 hours ago
- Observer
Uzbekistan, Jordan qualify for WC for first time, South Korea through
DUBAI: Uzbekistan and Jordan made history on Thursday by qualifying for their first World Cup, while the pair will be joined in next year's tournament by perennial participants South Korea. Uzbekistan, one of the fastest-rising national teams in Asia, drew 0-0 with the UAE in Abu Dhabi to take the second automatic spot in Group A, although top place is still in play after already qualified Iran lost 1-0 to Qatar in Doha. Heading into the third round's final set of fixtures on Tuesday, Iran sit at the summit, two points ahead of Uzbekistan. The top two teams in each of the three Asian groups go straight to the World Cup, while those finishing third and fourth — the UAE and Qatar hold those slots in Group A — enter a fourth round of qualifiers. In Group B, South Korea confirmed their place in an 11th straight World Cup by defeating Iraq 2-0 in Basra. The victory, sealed by second-half goals from Kim Jin-gyu and Oh Hyeon-gyu, means South Korea reclaim top spot from Jordan, whose 3-0 victory against Oman earlier on Thursday ultimately proved enough to secure their participation at the expanded 48-team showpiece in the United States, Canada and Mexico. Jordan's King Abdullah II congratulated the team on social media. "This historic qualification is well-deserved by our team, which includes stars and cadres of whom we are proud," he wrote on X. "Special thanks go to our loyal fans who have been our support and encouragement." Ali Olwin netted a hat-trick as the 2023 Asian Cup runners-up etched their name in the record books. Iraq were reduced to 10 men midway through the first half when Ali al Hamadi's foul on Cho Yu-min was upgraded to a red card following a VAR review. South Korea's Jo Hyeon-Woo and Se-Jin celebrate after the qualifying. — Reuters Iraq sit third in Group B, with Oman and Palestine still able to progress to the fourth round of qualifying. Palestine, who defeated Kuwait 2-0 in Ardhiya, host Oman on Tuesday, while Iraq face Jordan in Amman. — Australia on brink — Meanwhile, Saudi Arabia and Australia will go head-to-head on Tuesday for the second automatic spot in Group C. Australia remain in pole position following their last-gasp win against group leaders Japan in Perth. Defender Aziz Behich was the home hero in front of more than 57,000 fans, rifling into the corner in the 90th minute to give Tony Popovic's side a crucial 1-0 victory. "We know there's room to grow and room to improve, but we've done something special tonight," said Popovic, who saw his team outplayed for long periods by an experimental Japan side. Saudi Arabia ensured the race for second place will go down to the wire courtesy of a 2-0 win against Bahrain in Riffa. Goals in either half from Musab al Juwayr and Abdulrahman al Obud saw Herve Renard's men stay three points behind second-placed Australia. However, the Saudis will have to win in Jeddah by five goals to leapfrog the Socceroos. Popovic, who replaced Graham Arnold in the dugout in September, added: "We've all played a part in getting us to this point. We want to go to Saudi Arabia and really finish the job off." Also in Group C, Patrick Kluivert's Indonesia kept alive their hopes of reaching a first World Cup since the country's independence in 1945 with a 1-0 win over China. That leaves Indonesia fourth in the group, one point behind Saudi. Ole Romeny scored the only goal, his controversial penalty just before half time following a VAR check leaving China rooted to the bottom of the group and thus ending their hopes of making a second World Cup. jm/ea/iwd
Observer
10 hours ago
- Observer
Omani fans shine in support of Red Warriors despite defeat
MUSCAT, MAY 6 Despite the defeat of the national team against Jordan on Thursday, the Omani fans once again proved that they are the key pillar in supporting the Red Warriors. As crowds flocked from various governorates of the Sultanate of Oman to support the team, the disappointment of the loss was palpable, though people were also looking forward to Eid Al Adha celebrations. The stadium witnessed a remarkable turnout, with the stands filled with fans waving flags and chanting slogans, reaffirming their unwavering support for the team on its journey towards World Cup. Despite the hot weather, the heat did not deter the crowds from arriving at the stadium early in the afternoon, with most of them breaking their fast in the stands after a long day of fasting on the Day of Arafah. The stadium management and the 'Kulna Ma'ak' (We Are All With You) campaign arranged water distribution points for the fans, along with an Iftar tent, which contributed to a positive atmosphere inside the stadium. Children were seen holding 'We Are All With You' banners and waving flags, adding to the festive atmosphere despite the disappointment of the result. This enthusiastic spirit from the fans came within the framework of the 'We Are All With You' campaign, launched by the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Youth in cooperation with the Oman Football Association, aimed at supporting the national team in the final qualifiers for the 2026 World Cup. To ignite the fans' enthusiasm, the campaign distributed more than 20,000 Omani flags in the stands to paint the stadium in red, white and green, adding a festive touch despite the loss. This was complemented by a large banner raised by the fans before the start of the match, featuring a photo of a player from the Oman team with the phrase 'We Are All With You,' reflecting a message of unity and support. Omani fan Mohsen Ambusaidi, who came from the Wilayat of Nizwa, said, "The team's performance did not meet expectations. The team played well in the first half with two clear chances to score, but noticeably declined in the second half." Ambusaidi added, "Some fans left the stands after the second goal, due to a lack of confidence in the team's ability to come back. Omani fans deserve praise and appreciation, as they have never stopped supporting the team whether at home or abroad, despite all circumstances." "The fans who endured the journey to the capital, Muscat, despite the eve of Eid and fasting on the Day of Arafah, considering that these fans deserved acknowledgment from the players after the match. Unfortunately, none of the players or the coaching staff approached them to thank them after the disappointing result," he ended. Fan, Labid al Amri, who came from the Wilayat of Al Awabi, said "The national team did not deliver the required performance and squandered the chance for direct qualification." Al Amri added "The Omani fans have never lost hope in supporting the team under the toughest circumstances and the chance to qualify is still alive through the playoffs. As long as there's hope, we must all continue to support the team." Al Amri concluded "The upcoming match against Palestine will be a true final, as the winner will earn the chance to play in the World Cup playoffs, calling on Omani fans to support the team until the very last minute."
Observer
10 hours ago
- Observer
Rasheed targets playoff spot after Jordan defeat
MUSCAT, June 6 The national football team head coach, Rasheed Jaber, voiced confidence that the team can return back in the concluding match at the AFC Asian Qualifiers — Road to 26 on coming Tuesday against Palestine in Amman city. ' I am confident that the team can bounce back strongly and vie for a playoff spot. I hope all the players put the defeat behind and begin concentrating on the next assignment which is securing a place in the playoffs as an additional two tickets to next year's Fifa World Cup Finals will be at stake,' he added. Jordan imprinted their name in the history as they secured their maiden World Cup qualification in group B following their 3-0 win over Oman on Thursday night to join South Korea to the Fifa World Cup after their convincing 2-0 win over Iraq. Jordan's striker Ali Olwan was the man of the match as he starred with a hat-trick and delivered his team crucial three points to reach 16 points and book their spot at next year's global showpiece ahead of their match against Iraq on Tuesday as the latter suffered a 2-0 loss against South Korea. Oman, which has 10 ten points, will meet Palestine in Amman on Tuesday. Both teams will fight with Iraq on the remaining two playoff spots after Palestine edged Kuwait 2-0 on Thursday night to keep their hopes alive. "I extend my apologies to our fans, especially those who attended the match. We hoped to bring them joy, but the penalty late in the first half shifted the momentum. Jordan capitalised well and managed the second half with control and determination,' Jaber said 'We still have a final match in the qualifiers and we will fight for victory. It is important to rebuild our confidence and approach the game with full focus. The door to qualification via the playoffs is still open,' he concluded. On the other side, the head coach of Jordan Jamal Sellami celebrated his team's historic achievement, guiding Jordan to their first-ever Fifa World Cup qualification. Jordan's attendance in the global showpiece event was confirmed after South Korea's victory over Iraq by 2-0 as they secured top two slots in Group B of the AFC Asian Qualifiers — Road to 26. 'We believed in the win, but to finish 3-0 exceeded our expectations. This result reflects the spirit, ambition, and commitment of our players,' Coach Sellami said. 'Qualifying for the World Cup is a dream come true for Jordanian football, and I am proud to be part of this journey. The first goal gave us the upper hand, forcing Oman to push forward, and we used that to our advantage.' Moroccan Sellami ended ...
