Oman storms into quarters

(MENAFN- Muscat Daily) Oman secured its berth in the quarterfinals of the Asian-leg qualifiers for the 2015 FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup after topping Group A at Katara beach in Doha Qatar on Wednesday.

Coached by Talib Hilal the national team thrashed hosts Qatar 8-0 on Wednesday to keep a clean slate and mark its third successive win.

Oman began its campaign with a 3-2 win over Bahrain on Monday and then trounced Laos 8-3 on Tuesday before completing its group engagements with a win over the hosts.

Also advancing to the last eight were UAE Japan Iran and China from the other groups.

A total of 14 teams are competing for three Asian spots for the World Cup which is scheduled to be hosted by Portugal later this year.

Against Laos on Tuesday Oman's Yahya al Araimi scored the opening goal in the second minute. The Omanis duly charged further ahead with Araimi again providing the impetus by doubling his tally on 15 minutes. Abdullah Salim (18th minute) skipper Hani al Dhabat (20th) and Ghaith al Alawi (23rd) added to the 2-0 lead before Laos captain Tona Bounmalay aided the Omani cause by scoring an own goal on 23 minutes.

Laos scored twice thanks to Nanthaly Savatdy's double (29th 30th) but two late strikes - Mundhir al Araimi's penalty-kick and Alawi's effort - saw Oman wrap up a comprehensive win.