FIFA World Cup 2022 Qualifiers Rival Watch: Oman

The Reds will face the Blue Tigers on September 5 in Guwahati.

India’s FIFA World Cup 2022 qualifying campaign gets underway on Thursday against an intimidating Oman side, who humbled the Blue Tigers 3-0 in their last qualifier back in 2015. Since then, India have a new coach and philosophy, while the same can also be said about Western Asian country. After coming up short in the AFC Asian Cup 2019, they’ve had some changes but remain an unpredictable unit India must be wary off.

Recent Performance

Watch: Oman defeated Singapore in penalties to win the Air Marine Cup 2019

After getting knocked out of the AFC Asian Cup in the round of 16 campaign against Iran, Oman have come-back well in the corresponding months. They won the Air Marine Cup 2019 in March, which consisted of Asian sides Afghanistan, Malaysia and Singapore. They defeated Afghanistan 5-0 and Singapore 1-1 (5-4) in penalties to lift the Cup. They recently defeated Yemen 1-0 in a friendly game in preparation to the game against India.

About The Team

Oman won the Air Marine Cup earlier this year

Currently ranked 87th in the FIFA World Rankings, Oman have risen prominently up the Asian footballing ladder over the years. Officially founded in 1978, they have qualified for the AFC Asian Cup four times in their history and had their best-ever performance by progressing into the knockout rounds earlier this year.

Moreover, they’ve won the Gulf Cup twice, including the most recent edition in 2017. Those are the only major accolades they’ve won, apart from  minor tournaments like the Air Marine Cup. Like India, Samba Al-Khaleej has never qualified for the FIFA World Cup but aspires to do it this time,  especially as they’re confirmed to host some matches in the 2022 edition.

The Coach

Erwin Koeman replaced Pim Verbeek as the head coach of Oman

The brother of Netherlands football team manager Ronaldo Koeman, Erwin Koeman also has some rich experience under his belt thanks to working alongside his elder brother. Having being in Holland’s 1988 UEFA European Championship winning squad, the 57-year-old definitely has the genes of a winner in him.

In his coaching career, he’s managed the Hungarian national team in International level and Feyenoord early in his career. He also worked as Ronald’s assistant manager during his terms at Southampton and Everton, while most recently was the caretaker manager of Fenerbache for a short period.

After being recommended by Pim Verbeek himself, Koeman has a big challenge ahead. He must get Al-Ahmar playing attractive, effective attacking football again and develop a thick skin to sustain the onslaughts of the qualifiers. He’s already reiterated his desire to promote youngsters in Oman’s side, as the talented young guns along with the experienced senior-figure could be a super-combo for him Al-Ahmar soaring once again.

Squad

The 26-man probables squad for the qualifiers are:

Fayez al Rushaidi, Mohammed al Musalami, Ali al Busaidy, Ahmed al Kaabi, Ahmed al Rawahi, Ibrahim al Mukhaini, Khalid al Buraiki, Saad Suhail, Abdulaziz al Ghailani, Moataz Saleh, Munther Rabee al Alawi, Salah al Yahyaee, ​​Mohammed al Hosani, Yassin al Sheyadi, Emran al Hedi, Nader Awadh, Mohammed Faraj al Rawahi, Harib al Saadi, Raed Ibrahim, Arshad al Alawi, Mohsen Jawher al Khaldi, Ahmed Mubarek Kanu, Mohsen al Ghassani, Mohammed al Ghafri, Abdulaziz al Maqbali, Mohammed al Ghassani.

Players To Watch

Abdulaziz Al-Muqbali

In his short reign as Oman’s manager, Koeman’s pin-pointed certain players quintessential towards implementing his plan. Striker Abdul Azizi Al-Muqbali is the centre-piece to his puzzle, as all his attacking impunity goes through the experienced forward. Not only is Al-Muqbali an intimidating presence in attack, but he’s surprisingly agile when latching onto the ball going forward.

The 30-year-old can easily slither past defenders onto promising goal-scoring possession. He’s almost a complete package in terms of finishing, being equally strong aerially as well as striking the ball into the net. After having scored twoce in their last two official games, Al-Muqbali will be hungry for even more and play at a higher tempo against the Blue Tigers.

Raed Saleh

The trickiest player in Al-Ahmar’s attack, Raed Saleh’s probably at his personal peak when it comes to performing for his national side. The versatile winger can play in either side, but prefers to operate from the left as he’s more influential in that side. The 27-year-old is extremely quick when moving forward, but his dribbling skills can create nightmares for defenders.

However, he’s also clinical to compliment his showmanship, as he often finds the perfect through-ball or cross to find a man inside the box. With his powerful striking ability, Saleh’s the complete package in Al-Ahmar’s attack and is guaranteed to traumatize many over the next few months.

What To Expect

[KH_RELATED_NEWS title="Related News"][/KH_RELATED_NEWS]

After their AFC Asian Cup exit, Oman have picked up their momentum under Erwin Koeman in recent months. The Dutch gaffer’s gotten them playing more lethal style and is being able to amplify their best abilities. With their physical tendency along with danger in set-pieces, Al-Ahmar could cause real problems for India.

They will not hold back and be happy with just one point in Guwahati. Koeman wants to make a big impact in his first big game as manager, so we can expect Al-Ahmar to go all guns blazing on Thursday.