“It was a very difficult match and we knew that Oman are an organised side with an excellent coach,” said the Frenchman. “I’m not satisfied with the performance of our team in the match.”

“However, the most important thing is that we claimed the three points from the match, having taken 19 from a possible 21. 

“The players trained well for the match but sometimes despite good preparation, the performance is not as expected.

“From the start of the Qualifiers, our target has been good performances on the  road to the World Cup. We still have work to do as we haven’t secured our place in the Finals.” 

Up next for Saudi Arabia are Japan at the Saitama Stadium on Tuesday and another three points will seal their place in the FIFA World Cup Finals Qatar 2022. 

Oman’s hopes of clinching the playoff spot were all but extinguished following Thursday’s defeat but head coach Branko Ivankovic, in congratulating Saudi Arabia for their victory, was proud of his players.  

“I'm very proud of my players who had an excellent performance” said the Croatian. “We created several scoring chances but failed to convert them.

“I will not take the absences (of several players) as an excuse as we showed great personality.

“We had full confidence in the players (who came in) and their discipline and harmony was the result of the work that we did with them.”

Oman, on seven points, play Australia in Muscat on Tuesday.