(MENAFN- Muscat Daily) Two splendid performances by the Red Warriors provided contrasting results - a 0-1 loss against the UAE in the opener and a 1-0 win against hosts Kuwait in the next game on Monday.
With slender victory margins making the difference, Oman coach Pim Verbeek 'will be happy' even if his men win against Saudi Arabia by a solitary goal in their concluding Group A match of the 23rd Gulf Cup in Kuwait Cityon Thursday.
The match will be played at the Kuwait Sports Club and begins at7.30pm(Oman time).
'All the teams have found it difficult to score goals so far as they are defensively well-organised. I will be more than happy even if we win by one goaltomorrow[Thursday],' said the Dutchman on the eve of the match.
'Three points is what we are aiming at and I have the confidence in my boys. A win will ensure our progress into the semifinals. I am only focused now for the game against a young and strong Saudi team,' said Verbeek.
Saudi Arabia leads the group with four points and better goal-difference than UAE, which, too, has four points. Oman is third with three points while ten-time champions Kuwait is out of contention as it lost both its games.
A win for Red Warriors will pave the way for them to advance while a draw will leave its progression at the hands of UAE's result against Kuwait. The UAE game will also kick-off at7.30pmat the Jaber al Ahmed International Stadium.
'We are under no pressure as we have a clear goal - to win and qualify. I know that my players have the potential and desire to make it to the next stage. We are ready for the Saudi test and hopefully we will win.'
Oman's experienced defender Mohammed al Mussalami said, 'We are confident of overcoming the Saudi challenge. It is not going to be easy but we have faith in our abilities and hopefully, we can give our fans a reason to celebrate.'
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