(MENAFN- Muscat Daily) The Red Warriors are on a roll. Two successive wins over formidable opponents and a spot in the semifinals of the prestigious regional football extravaganza, Pim Verbeek's men have now emerged as strong title contenders at the 23rd Gulf Cup that is currently under way in Kuwait.
Following its morale-boosting 2-0 victory over Saudi Arabia at the Kuwait Sports Clubon Thursdaynight, Oman grabbed the top spot in Group A with six points to set up a semifinal date with Bahrain at the Jaber al Ahmad International Stadiumon Tuesday. The semifinal match kicks off at6.15pm(Oman time).
Substitute Saeed al Ruzaiqi 'Shloub' was Oman's hero as he scored both goals to knock FIFA World Cup Russia-bound Saudi Arabia out of the tournament.
Ruzaiqi's first goal had a slice of luck as his effort deflected off Saudi Arabia's Khaled Abdul Baki and settled in the back of the net in the 58th minute. But the second goal in the 77th minute was off a brilliant header.
Coach Verbeek was expectedly delighted after the win. Speaking toMuscat Daily
, the Dutchman said, 'We are doing well. I hope we continue the winning momentum. The team is gelling well and the results are showing.
'Though we lost, we had excellent game against the UAE in the opener. But my boys have displayed amazing spirit to come back from the opening match result to perform at a high level against Kuwait and Saudis.'
Verbeek said the 'team's confidence is on a high' and the 'boys will go into the semis with a positive frame of mind'. 'We will take one game at a time and as of now, the focus is to get past Bahrain. Oman has achieved more than what most expected in Kuwait. We came in as an underdog. We will go all out for a win against Bahrain and hopefully the boys can deliver. There are no more any easy games. Each team is getting better as it is progressing.
'Bahrain was defensively stronger against Qataron Friday. It will be a tough match and I hope my boys carry the confidence onto the pitch and get a positive result. Having done well to enter semis, the boys are now eager to reach final.'
Verbeek said that he is happy that the players got an extra day's rest after three tough games. 'We gave them two days break for recovery and they will be back fromSundayfor training sessions.'
On Friday, Bahrain knocked out defending champion Qatar after a 1-1 draw in a Group B match to finish behind group topper Iraq, which routed Yemen 3-0.
Iraq finished with seven points and Bahrain had five. Iraq will meet UAE in the other semifinal on Tuesday (9.30pmkick-off). UAE finished behind Oman with five points, following a goalless draw with hosts Kuwaiton Thursday.
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