CISM 2nd World Football Cup – Muscat (OMA)

 

COMPETITION DAY 6 & 7

 

 

MUSCAT (OMA) – The games of the round three of the group stage were held on January 20 and 21 in the Seeb Sports Stadium and the Sultan Qaboos Sports Stadium. Several interesting games were scheduled as many teams could still qualify for the quarterfinals:

 

Group A:

 

 

To validate its ticket for the quarterfinals, the host country Oman had to defeat France, who was almost eliminated before the start of the game. To qualify, France had to win its game against Oman and to count on a large defeat from Bahrain against Guinea. France started the game the best way possible as #6 Dumontant scored the opening goal after 7 minutes. Nevertheless, Oman replied quickly as #30 Al Abdulsalam scored the equalizer (22’). Oman even scored two more goals via #10 Al Khaldi (33’) and #77 Al Farsi (40’). Oman controlled the pace during the rest of the game and #8 Sabo scored a stunning goal 2 minutes before the final whistle and reduced the score for a final victory from Oman 3-2!

 

 

In the meantime, Guinea and Bahrain drew level in a poor game. #10 Barry scored the opener for Guinea but #8 Hasan secured Bahrain’s qualification by scoring the equalizer (57’). Oman and Bahrain are the first teams qualified for the quarterfinals!

 

Group B:

 

 

The leader Algeria was already qualified before its last game against the DPR Korea who needed a victory to go further in the tournament. DPR Korea started the game in a bad way as #18 Harag from Algeria scored the opening goal. One minute later, DPR Korea equalized via #4 Sim who gave hope to his teammates. However, the Algerian team once again proved its quality and offensive skills as they took the lead in the minute 54 via #15 Meziane. Despite some desperate chances from DPR Korea, Algeria finished the group stage with three victories in three games and qualified for the quarterfinals.

 

 

In the other game of the Group B Germany was facing the Islamic Republic of Iran, both teams still having the possibility to qualify. The stake stressed the players and the spectators attended a draw without relief, as both teams did not succeed in scoring any goal. Thanks to this draw, Germany managed to be the only European team to access the next stage!

 

 Group C:

 

 

The last round of the group C saw the confrontation of Qatar and Mali respectively on the first and second place of the group C. Mali just needed one point to qualify for the quarterfinals while Qatar already validated its ticket for the next stage. The least we can say is that it was a poor game with few chances from both sides. Mali wanted to preserve the draw and defended quite well. The referee blew the final whistle on a 0-0 draw contenting both teams!

 

 

In the other game of the group C, Ireland realized an amazing performance and literally crushed the US team. #17 Walsh scored the opener and USA resisted during the rest of the first half. During the second half, USA cracked under the Irish pressure: #3 Fox (51’ & 59’), #17 Walsh (61’) and #13 Shortt (85’) gave a 5/0 lead to Ireland. #14 Guillian saved the US honor by scoring one minute later, while #Gannon fixed the final score with a magnificent strike (92’). Despite this 6-1 win, Ireland is out of the tournament!

 

Group D:

 

 

To force its qualification for the next stage of the 2nd CISM World Football Cup, Poland needed a large victory against the red lantern of the group D, Canada, but also needed the defeat of Egypt against Syria. Poland performed its part of the contract quite easily. Indeed, after an early opener from #7 Kosinski (13’), #4 Sabadoz equalized for Canada on minute 29. Only three minutes later, #10 Tucazk gave the lead to Poland who came back to the lockers room with a 2/1 lead. Poland totally dominated the second half and managed to score four additional goals via #9 Wachowiak (47’), #11 Zeno (73’-88’) and #10 Tuczak (81’).

 

 

However, it was not sufficient for Poland, as Egypt and Syria did not score any goal during their confrontation. Finally, Egypt and Syria were the last two qualified teams for the quarterfinals!

 

QUARTERFINALS’S SCHEDULE (24-01-2017):

 

• Oman vs Mali – 17.00 (local time) – Sultan Qaboos Sports Stadium

• Qatar vs Bahrain – 17.00 (local time) – Seeb Sports Stadium

• Algeria vs Egypt –20.30 (local time) – Sultan Qaboos Sports Stadium

• Syria vs Germany – 20.30 (local time) – Seeb Sports Stadium

 

For more information, please visit the official website of the second CISM World Football Cup Organizing Committee: www.cismoman2017.om or their official Facebook page: CISM Oman 2017.

 

For the livestreaming of the games, click here: Oman TV or here: Oman Sports TV

 

(Source: CISM Media & Communication Department)

(Pictures:  Eddy Kellens, CISM Photographer - Jonathan Verhoeft, CISM Photographer)