Thu, 28 Oct, 2021
Espinho: Oman finished their FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup campaign with a flurry on Monday as Asia’s reigning champions secured their first ever win on the global stage thanks to a 7-2 victory over Costa Rica.
The result sees Oman finish third in Group B, ahead of Costa Rica, but crucially behind Switzerland and Italy who had already sealed their tickets to the quarter-finals courtesy of wins over their Asian and Central American rivals.
Match Report: Switzerland 5-2 Oman
Match Report: Oman 2-4 Italy
With only pride to play for, it was Oman who started the brighter at the Espinho Stadium, Hani Al Dhabat breaking the deadlock in the fourth minute.
That Omani momentum continued into the second period when Yahya Al Araimi, who netted in Oman’s 4-2 loss to Italy, scored to double his side’s advantage and take them a step further towards a first win in six World Cup fixtures.
Costa Rica pulled one back in the 19th minute thanks to a Danny Johnson effort, only for Ghaith Al Alawi to then restore Oman’s two-goal cushion a mere three seconds later.
Sensing victory, Oman piled on the pressure in the third period and were duly rewarded, as - despite Johnson bagging a consolation penalty for Costa Rica - further goals from Al Dhabat, Al Araimi as well as Ishaq Al Qassmi’s brace rounded off a memorable and impressive success for Talib Al Thanawi’s charges.
Photo: FIFA / Getty Images